WOMAN and HEALTH 



MOTHER'S HYGIENIC HAND BOOK 



Daughter's Counselor and Guide to the Attainment of True 
Womanhood through Obedience to the Divine Laws 
of Woman Nature, including Specific Direc- 
tions for the Treatment and Cure 
of Acute and Chronic 
Ailments. 




r by 

M. AUGUSTA FAIRCHILD, M. D. 



Author of " How to be Well. 



" It is time to be true, 
It is time to be finding the thing you can do; 
It is time to put by the dream and the sigh, 
And work for the cause that is holy and high." 



1890: 

Published by the Author 

Dr. Fairchild's Healthery, 537 Broadway, Quincy, III. 

Printed by J. W. Franks & Sons. 
Peoria, III. 




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by 

M. AUGUSTA FAIRCHILD, M. D., 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



My Dear, Awakened Woman : 

You whose feet tread the grand highway of 
labor, severe and protracted, of difficulties, opposition, and 
detraction: do you realize that there is a Power who makes 
for Righteousness, and who gives Perception and Courage and 
good military judgment to those who are adequate to His 
work? 

And that the "roused legionaries of that Power find the 
old fortresses and the new fortifications of error are not im- 
pregnable to the shot and shell of Truth?" 

To-day the heavens are eagerly seeking to become mani- 
fest in humanity, and under the light and warmth of such 
Divine pressure even strongly enthroned evils cannot last 
long. 

"The night accumulates upon them, and the cold is 
strongest, and their victims are weakest, and they beat their 
blackest against the dawn. And the swift dawn comes, but 
not for them." 

Thirty years of medical practice, coupled with constant 
toil for the development of woman in all departments of her 
nature, have not failed to bring a quickness of discernment 
which beholds in the globe-encircling, banded womanhood of 
to-day a demonstration of the meaning of Universal Mother- 
hood, that overflowing love which reaches to all, and is hap- 
piest when most diffused, like God's own love. 

What a stirring vision of this New Age do the W. C. T. U. 
and other kindred organizations present. The dawn surely 



iv. Introductory. 

does come to them and their work. It is as though woman 
cannot escape her God-appointed destiny. She will therefore 
fulfill it. 

" Now understand me well. It is provided in the essence 
of things that from any fruition of success, no matter what, 
shall come forth something to make a greater struggle neces- 
sary." 

And so this book is written. It is to meet developed 
woman's need. She finds herself thrown, by the soul-wave 
now sweeping over our race, high up into positions of respon- 
sibility never before occupied by woman, and for which her 
past training "as an upper servant or a toy" gives poor 
fitness; she sees the struggle necessary, and yet knows not 
which way to turn. 

Body deformed, weakened, badly nourished, vilely clad, 
cruelly tortured with poison and the knife, mind blindly grop- 
ing after truths it dees not recognize when seen, soul developed 
into an intuition which feels its truths and almost tears mind 
and body in pieces, in the effort to get expression; all share 
the "common fate," because "the old which is passing away 
will not be found equal to the demands of the new, for these 
are different. Human development means organic fitness for 
all things new; so the furnishing of true light, and the example 
of devoted lives, are the conditions " under which developed 
womanhood can flourish. This, I believe, is the Christ-Ideal. 
Every woman who acquaints herself with the truths founded 
in nature, who learns and lives the lessons of a high and beau- 
tiful life, becomes a divinely-appointed teacher and liberator 
of the imprisoned and oppressed. She will win 

" A joyous insight of the sun." 

Such women will not selfishly choose 
" Calm breasts, mute lips, and labor shun," 

But " Give their liberal hearts 

To make the world one harmony — 

Resigned that they be spent 

To such world's help." 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Chapter I. — Maternity Woman's Highest Use i 

Chapter II.— Helpful Words for Mothers 18 

Chapter III.— Children 33 

Chapter IV.— Uterine Physiology 46 

Chapter V.— Pelvic Disorders 58 

Chapter VI. — The Derangements of Menstruation 70 

Chapter VII.— Principles Available in Pelvic Therapeu- 
tics 83 

Chapter VIII. — Miscarriages 100 

Chapter IX.— Hygienic Appliances 105 

Chapter X. — Fever 1 1 1 

Chapter XL— Eruptive Fevers 123 

Chapter XII.— Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs 133 

Chapter XIIL— Acute Stomach and Bowel Affections 148 

Chapter XIV.— Common Chronic Ailments 158 

Chapter XV. — Dress 178 

Chapter. XVI.— Breathing 197 

Chapter XVIL— Dietetics 201 

Chapter XVIII. — Hygienic Cooking 230 

Chapter XIX.— Difference Between Exercise and Reme- 
dial Motion, or Active and Passive Movements 242 

Chapter XX.— Mental Influences 246 

Chapter XXL— Important Principles for Women to Under- 
stand 266 

Chapter XX II.— Bronchitis 277 

Chapter XXIII. — Pulmonary Consumption 282 

Chapter XXIV.— Rheumatism 291 



vi. Table of Contents. 

Chapter XXV.— Kidney Disorders 304 

Chapter XXVI.— Chronic Diarrhcea 309 

Chapter XXVII.— Intestinal Parasites. Worms 313 

Chapter XXVIII.— Traumatic Tetanus 321 

Chapter XXIX.— Hygienic Significance of Air 328 

Chapter XXX.— Water 337 

Chapter XXXI.— Sunshine 343 

Chapter XXXII.— Exercise 347 

Chapter XXXIII.— Sleep 351 

Chapter XXXIV.— Open Session : Something Abotjt Many 

Things 357 

Glossary 377 

Alphabetical Index 383 



Errata. 

Page 139. "Colds — Acute Catarrh" should have been 
on page 138, immediately following the first three lines on top. 
Then what is now on page 138, under the head of Doctor. 
Following this, all of page 140. Then turn to page 138 for 
Treatment. 

Page 197. For sleeping body, read sleeping baby. 



WOMAN and HEALTH 



WOMAN and HEALTH. 

CHAPTER I. 

MATERNITY WOMAN'S HIGHEST USE. 

"Stately, solemn, sad, withdrawn, baffled, mad, turbulent, feeble, dissatisfied, 
Desperate, proud, fond, sick, accepted by men, rejected by men, 
They go ! they go ! I know that they go ; but J know not where they go ; 
But 1 know that they go toward the best —toward something great. 

Tumbling on steadily, nothing dreading, 

Sunshine, storm, cold, heat, forever withstanding, passing, carrying, 

The soul's realization and determination still inheriting, 

Swift, glad, content, unbereaved, nothing losing, 

Of all able and ready at any time to give strict account; 

The divine ship sails the divine sea for you." 

" Powers in themselves are rights — a thing is not required 
where there is no natural power for meeting the command to 
do. The rights of any living being are invested in the whole 
constitution, and may there be correctly read. The fish has 
rights compatible with its ability to swim, the bird to fly, the ox 
to eat grass, and so on throughout the whole animal kingdom 
up to man, and, strange to say, Man has Rights ; and the 
question of Rights settles itself in the true statement of Capa- 
cities. What rights has the fish compared with the bird, the 
bird with the ox, the ox with man? If the Capacities are fewer, 
the Rights are fewer. If in Woman are united the greatest 
number of Capacities, it must follow that she possesses all the 
rights of any living creature upon the earth. Woman's Capa- 
cities, then, are man's, and therefore she is the natural pos- 
sessor of every right which is his. Her practical Rights, those 
which characterize her as Woman, will be those springing from 
her feminine capacities of both body and mind, for these were 
given her that she might become developed Womanly, — not 
as Man. 



2 Woman and Health. 

"There are two human spheres of action, — the Masculine 
and the Feminine. The difference between the Male and 
Female structure is in points which affect the capacity for 
physical action. Nature unequivocally points to Woman as a 
material producer only in a very high sense, that of being an 
inspiration to the more rugged physical efficiency of Man, the 
producer. It is plainly shown why Man is lord of the ex- 
ternal, also why Woman cannot share his sovereignty except 
as an inferior. Why should she try to ignore the claims of her 
own nature and covet his sphere? Nature abhors Woman as 
competitor of Man in action upon the material world, and she 
cannot escape the truth of her own nature by willing or acting 
in violation of it." 

" It is no mean kingdom to which Man is appointed." Pro- 
ductive work, which is eminently his, is the substantial foun- 
dation of social as well as individual improvement. Human 
action upon the material world is a mighty problem, and 
required the brain of man to solve theoretically, and his rugged 
body, resolute arm, and imperative will to reduce to practical 
solution in labor and the useful arts. 

Man is conscious of his power in his own dominion ; he 
knows himself adequate and efficient in obtaining victory and 
holding rule. There is nothing unnatural, then, in the treat- 
ment Woman receives as a subordinate in all the fields where 
Man belongs; but it is mean and selfish to take advantage of 
her comparative feebleness and make it a means of her 
oppression, and even slavery, when that very fact ought to 
claim for her the highest freedom. 

But there is a world for Woman as much suited to her capa- 
cities as Man's world to his, and there she is equally as much 
needed : it is the Home ! "Woman's true industrial sphere is 
the home, and her function is wisely, economically, artistically 
to use what Man gains and provides. I know how narrow this 
sphere of action has seemed to many thousands of most noble 
women, especially to those of the present day, looking beyond 
it more clearly, firmly, and bravely than any who have preceded 
them. But I venture to suggest that it has seemed small only 
because its full dimensions were not seen. She asks for a place 
outside of it only because she does not yet understand herself 



Maternity Woman's Highest Use. 3 

or her offices in it. It is the unfolding of the inner faculties 
that converts narrowness to breadth, a prison to a palace, and 
lets the light of heaven come freely into the expanded soul. 
When this experience comes to woman home is a dear, 
coveted, cherished place of rest to her. She will never 
find it narrow again or stinted in opportunity. It now 
demands of her all that her mind can plan, more than 
her executive faculties can accomplish. She wonders how 
she ever thought that insufficient which now is so much, duties 
to be mean which now are glorified, results poor which now 
have such richness of character. Could she now desire to go 
out and labor with Man, share his business schemes, strive for 
place or fortune with him, or look with envy upon his oppor- 
tunities? Impossible!" "How grand, how sweet, how har- 
monious with her whole nature, — nay, how entirely fortunate 
she now finds her womanly position ! " Its separateness and 
quietness are among its best privileges. For it is only here 
with them that she can be what she must be, do what she must 
do to fulfill her great mission to humanity. 

"These are what have been prepared for her from the begin- 
ning, the wise, divine, essential conditions of success to her. 
She is shocked and startled to find how near she was to dis- 
claiming them, and thus putting away her most sacred, inalien- 
able right. Exchange this for the right to mingle in that noise 
and strife, pomp and bluster? Not for the universe !" 

" Here at last is a kingdom under a peaceful sovereignty. 
If its visible bounds are the walls of a home, whether grand or 
mean, so much the better, so much the more dear to the 
Woman-Soul, which craves this inner theater the more the more 
it becomes conscious of itself, its powers and privileges. And 
home is scarcely home until this peace comes into it from 
heaven through the mediator — Woman !" 

And now we will turn to woman's exclusive sphere of 
action. First, we learn that Function belongs more to the 
material, and Use to the spiritual phase of life. Function is 
masculine, Use is feminine. Woman's crowning work is mater- 
nity, and nature enthrones her in that kingdom. But she has 
not actually been crowned sovereign in the kingdom of Use, for 
Man has, in the order of development, taken precedence 



4 Woman and Health, 

through his foundational work, which was needful to be done 
for the development of woman's higher kingdom. 

" Maternity may be merely functional, — the birth of matter, 
not of spirit. The maternal soul does not co-work with the 
maternal body. And, in some stages of human progress, this 
is in harmony with the needs of the time. What was required 
of woman, as of the gentle, serviceable animals, was that she 
should bear children, and the more abundantly the more was 
she honored. And the race is not yet made womanly, only 
human ; not Useful, but only Functional." 

The Woman-Nature has never found its ample and satisfying 
sphere of action anywhere in Man's dominions, and cannot." 
The place or action which can afford her attributes full play 
must be an interior one. Nature will open her kingdom to her 
and crown her in it, since she did create her for it. It will not 
be in spite of man, but by his ready help. 

The consciousness of power must be, and m, a condition of 
that maternity which is not simply functional, but artistic. 
And this may be the possession of any woman, for nature 
endows her with capacity to make it possible. Woman must 
know her own power in this the sovereign work of the race, 
just as much as any being of whom Use is demanded, whether 
that be high or low. 

Freedom in its performance must also be secured to her. It 
is her right — Freedom to choose the times when her maternity shall 
be performed. 

This will impress even the superficial woman with a sense 
of responsibility in the office when she has chosen it. When 
there is not a chosen performance, — it may be that social dis- 
sipation and luxury stand in the way, — this sense of responsi- 
bility is not felt ; and where Woman is obliged to labor in 
occupations unnatural to her, maternity coming in spite of her 
choice is a calamity which outweighs sickness and death. 

For imagine, if you can, the effect of such creative influences 
as are the mother's. To a woman even , very undeveloped, 
maternity may come with choice, and her highest sense of 
obligation is appealed to, the very best traits of her nature 
brought into play, while the same woman in a forced maternity, 
would feel herself rightly injured, and maintain a most deplor- 
able state of mind and feeling. 



Maternity Woman 's Highest Use. 5 

Woman may, in free 

Chosen Maternity, 

select and control influences and circumstances so as to bring 
about the highest results. 

What an influence there is in books, friends, travel, social 
relations, — all that stimulates the intellect and imagination! 
Maternity in its best estate must not only be free, but purpose- 
ful — intelligent. Purposed maternity means, not the " mere 
purpose of satisfying the maternal instinct, which the quad- 
ruped feels and acts from, as well as the human, but the intel- 
ligent, artistic purpose to act in harmony with nature in 
producing the most perfect being which the powers and 
resources employed can bring forth." 

Given such a purpose, she will live in the sunshine of 
interior peace and victory, though without may be only con- 
flict and apparent defeat. The inheritance of such a birth 
cannot be weighed against any earthly advantages in estimating 
the elements for a human career. The treasure of East and 
West massed into one shining globe would go to the beam in 
the balance. 

Is it objected that few mothers are capable of endowing 
their children with this priceless legacy? It may be answered 
that few women yet know that divine phenomenon, " Woman- 
hood!" 

" The Womanhood of Woman equally lies in the development 
of her spiritual into confirmed permanent ascendency over the 
other elements of her nature, and, consequently, into that fine 
sovereignty over man and the human life, which, in one form 
or another, it is her prayer to get, and the prayer of society 
that she should get. In the light of these truths we see why 
youth is the masculine period of human life. It is yet in germ, 
imperfect therefore ; has its life in, and chief appeal to, the 
senses. It is also plain why the middle period, that of cor- 
poreal fruitfulness, or personal Motherhood, unites masculine 
and feminine elements in a more even balance than they held 
in youth, the appeal being to the purer, more refined and less 
passional love of Man ; and why the post-maternal period, that 
of Universal Motherhood, is pre-eminently the feminine one. 



8 Woman and Health. 

"Womanhood cannot be known till it is studied and lived 
beyond these portals which have heretofore closed to shut it, 
in coldness and darkness, out from the shining circle of human 
sympathies. 

The Spiritual is the Creative Power 

in man or woman. It is this by virtue of its oneness with the 
Great Artist and Creator. It never lacks resource, is not 
daunted by any array of circumstances, knows no despair, sees 
no failure; knows that failure is impossible, because its aims 
are one with the Divine aims, which cannot fail." 

When Motherhood is prized as the choicest of life's oppor- 
tunities for faithfulness and devotion, its fruits will correspond 
to its own high character, and society will bear its stamp as it 
now bears the inferior one of its ignorance, selfishness, sickness, 
and poverty. 

"When every knowledge and all orders of capacity are 
advanced to rank among the means to this divinest of Ends, 
then Maternity will honor God and Humanity, and its fruit will 
be social peace, purity, and harmony." 

Viola\ "With perfect benediction of pure love," the Christ 
seems to say : 

" Then at last 
I, wrapping round me your humanity, 
Which being sustained, shall neither break nor burn 
Beneath the fire of God-head, will tread earth 
And ransom you and it, and set strong peace 
Betwixt you and its creatures. 

In my brow of kingly whiteness, shall be crowned anew 
Your dis-crowned human nature. 

"Look on me ! 
As I shall be uplifted on a cross 
In darkness of eclipse and anguish dread, 
So shall I lift up in my pierced hands, 
Not into dark, but light — not unto death, 
Hut life, beyond the reacli of guilt and grief 
'Die whole creation. Henceforth in my name 
Take courage, O thou woman — man, take hope ! 
And thence with constant prayers 
Fasten your souls so high, that constantly 
The smile of your heroic cheer may float 
Above the floods of earthly agonies, 
Purification being the joy of pain." 

The ideal Woman finds Home to be her Quecndom, Moth- 
erhood her highest Use. 



Maternity Woman's Highest Use. 7 

Doctor: Laws and influences governing the production of 
this Mother-Art in Maternity will now engage our thoughtful 
attention. A. E, Newton, in a valuable pamphlet on Pre-Natal 
Culture, has brought us greatly in his debt, having given some 
extremely useful and practical thoughts, which, so far as I 
know, are not found elsewhere. In regard to the law of embry- 
otic moulding, Dr. Brittan is quoted as saying, "The singular 
effects produced on the unborn child by the sudden mental 
emotions of the mother are remarkable examples of a kind of 

Electrotyping 

on the sensitive surfaces of living forms. It is doubtless true 
that the mind's action in such cases may increase or diminish 
the molecular deposits in the several portions of the system. 
The precise place which each separate particle assumes in the 
organic structure may be determined by the influence of thought 
or feeling. If, for example, there exists in the mother any 
unusual tendency of the vital forces to the brain at the critical 
period, there will be a similar cerebral development and 
activity in the offspring." As the electrotyping process may 
not be familiar to every one, it is here described. It consists 
in causing, by means of electrical agency, the deposit of fine 
particles of metal — gold, silver, or copper — dissolved in a pow- 
erful acid, upon the surface of any article which it is desired 
should receive a coating of such metal. It is reasonable to 
suppose that by a somewhat similar process, effected by the 
vital forces of the mother, and to some extent controlled by 
her mental operations and emotions are deposited the mole- 
cules of matter which go to form the human embryo in all its 
various parts. 

It has been suggested that " mother's marks " result from a 
concentration of nervous force, by the touch of the mother's 
hand upon some part of her own person while under mental 
excitement from some specific cause, and it appears confirma- 
tory of the above stated theory. It would be easy to fill a 
volume of testimonies illustrative of this theory, and such facts 
seem to establish beyond question that the mother has it 
largely in her power, by the use of suitable means to confer upon 
her child tendencies of mind and even conformation of brain. If 



8 Woman and Health. 

this be true in respect to intellectual abilities and physical 
features, it must be equally true in regard to moral dispositions 
and spiritual tendencies. That the 

Moulding Power 

on the part of mothers can doubtless, if purposely used with 
enlightened intention , produce very perfect results, who can doubt? 

According to what we have learned, an intentional direction 
of the vital or mental forces to any particular portion of the 
brain will cause a corresponding activity and development in 
that portion of the brain of the offspring. 

Phrenology teaches that the brain is made up of a congeries 
of organs, which are instruments of distinct faculties of the 
mind or soul, hence, if the mother during gestation maintains 
a special activity of any one organ, or group of organs, in her 
brain, she thereby causes a more full development of the cor- 
responding organs in the brain of the fetus, and thus determines 
a tendency to special activity of the faculties of which such 
organs are the instruments in the child. 

It is then clearly within the bounds of possibility that a 
mother, by pursuing a systematic and comprehensive method, may 
give a well-rounded and harmoniously developed organism to 
her child. Suppose one objects to the phrenological theory. 
It is still true that our minds or souls possess powers or facul- 
ties in some sense distinct, and the above evidence still holds 
good. 

In view of these facts the importance of culture before birth 
exceeds that which pertains to all other departments of educa- 
tion. That which has been the last, and held in the least esti- 
mation, will be the first. " The last shall be first." 

Viola : May not this process of embryo development by 
and through the action of the vital, mental, and spiritual forces 
of the mother acting in and through the corresponding forces 
of her own organism go forth unconsciously, or without the 
mother's voluntary participation or direction ? 

Doctor: True. But the results are chance-determined and 
uncertain. The importance of system is as great here as in 
post-natal culture. " If it be left to the ordinary action of the 
laws of heredity, as is usually the case, what else can be 



Maternity Woman' s Highest Use. 9 

expected than that paternal or ancestral traits, good or bad, 
with now and then an erratic variation, desirable or undesirable, 
will preponderate in the child?" 

Viola: What an impressive lesson. And it looks to me that 
a whole lifetime would not be too long a period in which to 
prepare for so important an undertaking as motherhood assumes. 
Why not 

Instruct all Young Girls 

and boys, too, in the momentous possibilities of their future, as 
influencing for good or bad the coming race? It seems to me 
that no stronger motive for self-improvement, self-discipline, 
and tenacious purity of life could be presented. The honor 
pertaining to this office is God-like, and its sacredness not 
equalled by anything in the whole line of human action and 
endowment. If children have rights, and they have, as well as 
other beings, the very first would be the right to be well-born. 
Every department of the life must be prepared for the august 
responsibilities assumed by those who are to endow an immor- 
tal for its earth-experiences. 

Doctor; Surely this self-culture is not the work of a day or a 
year, and I believe the earlier the young of both sexes can be 
properly instructed, and impressed with the importance of 
living for those who may come after them, the better will they 
become fitted for this highest responsibility. If it be true that 
"like begets like," it would follow "that the taint of physical 
disease, of mental unsoundness, or of moral obliquity, which 
lurks in the system of either parent, is liable (perhaps not 
always certain) to be infused into the germ, and thus to be 
reproduced after its kind." On the other hand, " when once 
the spiritual selfhood has been born into consciousness, it tends 
to become the ruling power in us, and in proportion as its divine 
promptings are heeded, it will overcome and remove all the 
evils and impurities of the animal or selfish nature." 

Viola: Would not, then, the offspring of truly regenerate 
parents be expected to be "regenerate from the womb," their 
spiritual natures so 



10 Woman and Health. 

Quickened Before Birth 

by the activity of the spiritual forces in the parents, that, if 
properly nurtured subsequently, the spiritual in them will 
assume the supremacy from infancy and maintain it through 
life? 

Doctor: Yes. Such children I have seen. They are " born 
of the spirit" at the outset, and not merely "of the flesh." 

Viola: But it will be asked, "Are there reasonable grounds 
for hoping that parents in general, physically diseased and 
morally imperfect as they are, may, by any process of self-cul- 
ture or of spiritual regeneration, attain to such a state as that 
they shall not transmit physical diseases or moral obliquities to 
their children? Can the chief obstacles to such preparatory 
culture as has been here recommended be so regulated by any 
means as to admit of this culture? " 

Doctor: The answer may be called, indeed, "a hard say- 
ing" by those who are held in the bonds of the fascinating 
power of physical appetites, but encouragement comes with the 
truth of bei?ig } which, in the name and by the power of Christ, 
sets the prisoner free. There is, indeed, hope for all, based 
upon the laws of our own organism. Says Hiram E. Butler, 
in the Esoteric, "There are two laws of generation, the one in 
the procreation of children, the other that of the regeneration 
of one's self ; but habit is such that this function is not content 
with what would be considered its natural use. And physiolo- 
gists have presumed to encourage this unnatural waste, on the 
ground that it was necessary to the health of the body. But 
ask physiologists if celibate animals do not absorb this vital 
principle and physically profit thereby? Was not that the 
method of all the great masters of antiquity? Was this not 
the secret of their greatness? Certainly it was. It has been 
demonstrated in all ages by the few who became masters over 
themselves and the forces of nature." " Consider that you 
have an animal body that you must subdue and control in per- 
fect harmony with the laws of its pure nature. It is also a 
chemical laboratory, of which you are, or should be, the 
master workman. The thing to be done, then, is to keep 
every function of the body in good working order. Carry out 
the thought of 



Maternity Woman's Highest Use. 11 

What You Really Are, 

and deal with the body as with any good animal ; supply suit- 
able food and drink, clothing, etc. The power of man to be 
what he wills to be lies in his ability to control the senses, 
appetites, and passions, and not be controlled by them. We 
want to close all avenues of waste for the life essences. The 
old maxim, ' Life is precious,' is true." Not only does the 
popular mental science of to-day, in each and all its phases, 
teach that health and morality are normal to human beings, 
and disease and evil abnormal,, but the laws of life proclaim 
this truth. It is the constant tendency of health and goodness 
to overcome disease and badness, the former being in harmony 
with the great forces of the universe, and the latter antagonistic 
to them. 

Viola: A. E. Newton says, "It has been demonstrated in 
the scientific propagation of animals that the abnormal charac- 
teristics are far less persistent in transmission than are normal 
ones. The tendency of nature's forces is to maintain the 
normal type. The same law, doubtless, obtains in the human 
species. The law that ' like begets like ' is thus subject to a 
modifying principle, and one that is full of hope for suffering 
humanity. Not alone do the evils of our nature tend to repro- 
duce themselves, but by virtue of this reversion to what is 
normal, healthful, improving, the goods and excellencies have 
a still better chance of survival, provided adverse influences can 
be kept in abeyance, and that the salutary life-curre?its of the universe 
shall be unobstructed." 

Doctor : "We must cease to nourish the germs of physical 
disease and moral evil implanted in us by our progenitors, and 
avoid generating more of the same in ourselves. In other, 
words, we must learn the laws or conditions of physical and 
moral health, and conform our lives to them." The law of the 
orderly and natural use of the procreative forces, well under- 
stood and obeyed, would preclude the need of uttering such 
words as the following by Dr. Perrin, as quoted in Dr. 
Holbrook's " Marriage and Parentage " : " The ungoverned 
passion of man is prolific of evil, and, like producing like, the 
father who has never learned self-control may give his son 



12 Woman and Health. 

not only form and feature, but the germ of the same fierce, 
clamorous desire, which, in its full development, will prove a 
heritage of woe to that son and others. What polite language 
veils under the designation 'social evil,' and which desolates 
so many happy homes, and brings its quick, black harvest of 
misery, remorse, disease, and death, chiefly lives because man 
does not know aright ; does not duly reverence and honor 
woman, and keep in subjection that which may become one of 
the monster passions in his heart, and is thus continued from 
generation to generation. Surely prospective motherhood, — 
woman, within whom proceeds the evolution of the marvelous 
mysteries of creation, — should be reverenced as worthy of all 
thoughtful consideration, and ought to have thrown around her 
all protective care. The woman who has conceived is enciente, 
in allusion to the ancient custom of laying aside the girdle 
when pregnant and placing it in the temple of the gods, at once 
a preparation for the enlargement of the abdomen and a seek- 
ing of divine protection. Let her not fail of all human care 
while in this condition. Nature then offers unto man invitation 
and opportunity to subordinate passion to reason, to con- 
science, to will, to a higher love, and thus raise himself above 
himself. It may be objected that the abstinence here advo- 
cated contradicts almost universal practice. As to this 
objection, no matter how universal a practice is, if it be wrong, 
at least endeavor to point out the wrong. Whether I judge 
from observation, from the great doctrine of evolution which 
so fascinates the age, or from the power of divinely-revealed 
truth, the conclusion always is, that the world grows better, and 
that a wiser, happier, nobler generation will one day possess 
the earth. Each evil pointed out, each wrong discovered, helps 
the progress to that day, although it may be a long time before 
the evil and the wrong cease. Meantime, it is a great mistake 
to accept a popular vote as criterion of wisdom and right. 
Possibly physicians are too reticent in regard to these mat- 
ters; do not consider as fully as they ought the connection of 
these with human health and happiness, and give that instruc- 
tion to the people which is so much needed. Believing this, I 
can say in the words of Montaigne : 4 1 know very well that 
few will quarrel with the license of my writings who have not 
more to quarrel with in the license of their own thoughts.' " 



Maternity Woman s Highest Use. 13 

Viola : Are not serious consequences liable to result from 
practices herein disapproved ? 

Doctor: Most ungracious disturbances of the whole system. 
Agonies are borne, torture of nerve and brain and soul. Nature 
most emphatically condemns the wrong-doing, as is shown by 
the very large proportion of abortions induced by disregard of 
law, whether it be from ignorance or willful choice. Fully one- 
half the miscarriages which come under professional notice 
can be traced directly to this cause; and it swells enormously 
the list of maladies from which women suffer. 

Viola: Please tell me, is it true that women will sometimes 
allow their little ones to be murdered during prenatal exist- 
ence? If so, what a shocking descent of the human down, 
down into the infernal. I cannot understand the depth of such 
depravity. 

Doctor: I confess with shame for the sex, for the race of 
human beings, that such wrongs are done, intentionally and 
knowingly. And the fact, revolting, hideous, horrible, should 
alarm every enlightened Christian woman into a self-imposed 
effort to teach and preach and live condemnatory of the crime 
of abortion. For a crime it is, and always brings fearful retri- 
bution sooner or later; the vital system has received a shock 
from which it will never fully recover. Whether the attempt 
to produce abortion be successful or not, results are not less 
disastrous. Suppose the fetus is not dislodged and persists in 
remaining its full term ; depict if you can the influence of the 
murderous intent of that mother upon her innocent child ! A 
case in point : A very bright boy of five years was brought to 
our Cure. His father, a clergyman, had died shortly before 
this time. His boy, an only child of the widowed mother, 
would become furious as a wild animal whenever his mother 
came into his presence, and she could not by any means in her 
power appease him. It was a common declaration of his, " I 
want to kill my mother, I mean it!' We found it necessary to 
keep him away from her for days at a time, as little fellow that 
he was, he made well planned attempts to take her life. The 
history of this case revealed instructive facts. It seems that, 
not wishing that she give birth to a child, these parents had 



14 Woman and Health. 

made various unsuccessful attempts to destroy the fetus, and 
this was the result of their conduct. Another child I know, 
that was impelled to swear whenever father or mother was 
present. Of course she was taught the wrong of it, and even 
when very young she struggled against the temptation, but the 
impulse often overcame, and she relates that frequently she 
would run out of the room and seek an obscure place where 
she gave vent to oaths which fairly chilled her blood. I knew 
her later as a beautiful young lady ; her father died, and she 
expressed herself as relieved by that event of a cause for 
almost unequal struggle against the impulse to kill him, much as 
she loved her father. With her mother she was always unhappy, 
and could not overcome the undaughterly feeling of repulsion. 
She is now married, and with the lesson of a blighted childhood 
and girlhood, read from her past, she faithfully, heroically 
endeavors to shield her own children from such a fate, and not 
only her ozvn, but in the banded Christian work of Woman 
to-day she wields her influence against the curse which darkened 
her early years, and actually robbed her of a father's and 
mother's love. 

Viola: Might it not be reasonable to conclude that such 
causes as you have been considering might be operative in 
producing the array of horrors which appall us daily as we take 
up the newspaper and read its columns of criminal news items? 
Parents, children, brothers, sisters, friends, no one too near or 
too dearly loved to escape this murderous impetus from 
the infernals. It is surely born of hell. And yet, acknowledg- 
ing the destruction of fetal life in the advanced stages of ges- 
tation to be evil, many declare that in the very early stages the 
living germ has no life! 

Doctor: I do not believe that any woman, in her inmost soul, 
puts confidence in that which her intuitions declare a falsity. 
She may resolutely, for reasons known to herself and husband, 
defy the higher leadings and willfully bend her nature toward 
the untrue and wrong, but she always feels it a wrong and a 
violence. Even the victim of the seducer, the one in whose cir- 
cumstances excuse might be found for the perpetration of this 
crime, if any excuse were possible, shrinks before the seeming 
necessity of such a measure. Bring her to a knowledge of its 



Maternity Woman's Highest Use. 15 

truly bad and only evil nature, and she will bravely go forth 
determined to live up to her own best mother-intuitions, meet 
the rebuffs, the scorn, the reproach which her wrong invited, 
for this is her due, she thinks; but she will not wreck body and 
soul in the commission of a crime against the innocent unborn, 
not even at the price of successful concealment. 

" She sees clearly for herself : 
Her instinct's holy." 

Viola: Would not correct teaching upon subjects which have 
been held in secrecy, especially between mother and daughter, 
parent and child, establish so pronounced a sentiment favoring 
holy instinct, that evils which now flow largely from ignorance 
would be checked, and their extermination made easy? 

Doctor: They could not exist in light. Darkness, secrecy, 
hiding-places favor them. Do not start, I will ask what child, 
boy or girl, would be capable of such perversion as to form the 
evil habit of masturbation, if right instruction, connected with 
right living had been built around that soul, a wall of defense 
against the assaults of hellish spirits? For it is from hell, and 
leads to hell, and is itself hell. "Strong language?" It is a 
strong picture, that of the army of enslaved ones tramping over 
the ground already beaten to adamant by the thousands of feet 
which preceded in the line of march. Consumptions, Nervous 
Prostrations, Dyspepsias, Epilepsies, Cancers, Scrofulas, Paral- 
yses, besides the whole brood of mental weaknesses and spir- 
itual blindness, spring up from every dark corner of ignorance 
and false modesty, making havoc with body and soul! Walk 
any of our streets, go into any public assembly, meet any- 
where boys and girls, youths and maidens, men and women, and 
language will scarcely portray, to the mind that knows the 
source, the scene of wreck in human life. 

This evil has invaded palace and cottage and hovel. Rich, 
comfortable, and poor, learned, talented, illiterate, all grades of 
social rank. I do not know how to designate the apathy 
which mothers exhibit in matters which bear so closely upon 
the welfare of their children, if I do not call it love of repose. 
Women are unwilling to cut aloof from the old moorings, and 
submit to the inconveniences which arise from stirring contest 
with strongly fortified influences. And so their children are 



16 Woman and Health. 

wronged, because untaught, and disease and death hold high 
carnival. 

Viola : There are many good books written these days, such 
as Mrs. Shephard's books, "For Boys" and "For Girls;" 
other philanthropists have enriched their race by similar good 
productions, as though 

"The noble heart that harbors virtuous thought, 
And is with child of glorious, great intent : 
Can never rest, until it forth have brought 
The eternal brood of glory excellent " 

In a paper read by Mrs. Elizabeth Saxon, of Tennessee, 
before the International Council of Women, at Washington, 
D. C, 1888, are these words : "The organized womanhood of 
the world is in the great expanse of boundless freedom in 
thought and act, if they choose to open their eyes and avail 
themselves of it, they will find around them a sympathizing 
and helpful body of men and women hungry for the life-giving 
truth as they are for freedom from sin and crime." " The hour 
has come." "We have sowed the wind in ignorance. Only 
realize what we have been under the conditions of false 
modesty and ignorance of the divine law of life and its possi- 
bilities. I implore you women, old and young, to look back 
on your own ignorance of all this law of human needs, and 
realize what is around us and what fruit secrecy has borne. 
Gather to your very souls the children in loving confidence. 
Show both sons and daughters the sanctities and the terrors of 
this awful power of sex, its capacities to bless or curse its owner 
and the little helpless being in the mother's womb. Teach 
that the building of character begins in the very hour of con- 
ception ; that he or she who can give the color of hair, gait, 
laughter, and looks can bequeath the tainted appetites and low 
diseases. Teach that the holy thought, the reverent prayer, 
the dwelling in the kingdom of peace, belongs of right to the 
mother-builder. The self-sacrifice, the loving sympathy, the 
mighty upholding of all her nature in this her divine mission, 
that is the father's duty. Nature furnishes every mother a 
beautiful lesson for her children. Why forever cram with book- 
lore to the exclusion of tender counsel on lofty possibilities? 
Mothers say, ' I can't tell my children these things !' Then 



Maternity Woman's Highest Use. 17 

some boy or girl will. Your Bible will betray you. Every 
child knows that the hen lays her eggs. His nature and his 
innocence sees no harm in this. Tell him, as you show him the 
tiny life-germ in the egg as you prepare your food, that here is 
the unfolded story of creation ; show him that in just such 
shaped and softly-lined rooms all animal life cradles in the 
mother's body, from its lowly form up to man, walking in God's 
image on earth. Here every nerve and bone and muscle of the 
wonderful house God's Spirit dwells in is created, wrought from 
her life-blood. He is bone of her bone, life of her life, woven 
into being, with every gift of her body and soul consecrated to 
his service, with her daily and hourly prayer ; sent into life 
with the pangs of agony that bid her stand in the very shadow 
of death's wing, that she may cradle him in her arms, and 
make, for long months, her bosom the cup of his life, the couch 
of his rest, his refuge in sorrow, his pillow in death." 



18 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER II. 

HELPFUL WORDS FOR MOTHERS. 

Doctor: The various subjects bearing upon human life, 
health, and happiness throughout our studies are so many 
roads leading to Rome, magnificent city, "set on seven hills." 
Proud Motherhood ! We will adorn you with a garland of 
fadeless flowers gathered from the garden of Nature's God ; 
present you with gifts of such rare excellence that the wealth 
of the Indies could not purchase, for what is so immortal as 
Truth, or so priceless as Health, wholeness of body and soul ? 

Viola: Let me read you a portion of my morning Bible 
lesson from Luke 1st : 

" My soul doth magnify the Lord, 
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 
For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden ; 
For behold from henceforth all generations shall called me blessed. 
For He that is mighty, hath done to me great things ; 

And holy is His name. 
And His mercy is on them that fear Him 
From generation to generation. 
He hath showed strength with His arm ; 

He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts ; 
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, 

And exalted them of low degree." 

Doctor: Ah ! the voice of Woman sounds to-day the old, 
new words of the blessed Mary. We will now follow the 
developed Woman through her divinely commissioned office. 
She has chosen her fitting time and season conscious of her 
power in the Mother-Art, and has put her house in readiness 
for the angel guest. The walls of this physical abiding-place 
are not weak and tottering, they do not require to be braced up 
with steel or whalebone, nor ligatured with strong cotton bands; 
they are strong, need no supports, and insure the safety of the 
in-dweller. Sources from which food is made will be very 



Helpful Words for Mothers. 19 

clean and pure, even dainty and nice. " In the blood is the 
life " of this little invited guest, and so the maternal heart and 
brain unite in providing materials which will make the best 
blood to nourish the highest manifestation of life. The golden 
grains, which represent duties done from the Lord, and the 
luscious fruits which contain a new assurance that the Lord and 
the Lord alone is good, are the chosen foods. These marvel- 
ous instruments, the nerves, conveyers of impression, take no 
message that is not in direct harmony with heaven ; no thought 
of selfishness, hate, envy, pride, or evil in any of its ugly-visaged 
forms is ever transmitted, but a perpetual influx from the 
realms of Love and Eternal Good brings tidings of great joy to 
the little immortal, during its stay in the house which God 
prepared for it to tarry in a while midway 'twixt heaven and 
the earth, to make ready for entrance upon that endless journey 
throughout the eternities. 

The natural promptings of the prospective mother will lead 
her, during the earlier stages, to desire travel, change of scene, 
visits with friends, and affectionate interchange of thought, as 
though the heavenly visitor would like to take its first impres- 
sions of the world, of which it is soon to become an active 
member, to take part in struggles and share, the crown of vic- 
tors. Later the impulse seems to come over the spirit of its 
dream to have provided the wherewithal to clothe that body, 
which is daily being formed and fashioned so mysteriously. In 
full sympathy with this suggestion, the loving mother's heart 
and brain and hands are engaged in the construction of soft, 
fine garments for the protection of the anticipated new-comer, 
in freedom and beauty, and every way according to the best in- 
terests of its whole being. She studies, plans, and constructs pat- 
terns, ever holding in mind the uses of clothing, while she lays 
her love for the beautiful under full contribution to its orna- 
mentation. The plan adopted would be about like the one 
described in our Dress Chapter. While suitably interested and 
busy in making the dainty wardrobe, there would not be allowed 
any vexatious care, or exhaustion of brain and nerve in em- 
broidery, tucks, and rufflings, for the little unappreciative 
creature thinks it nonsense 



20 Woman and Health. 

" To gild refined gold, to paint the lily, 
To throw a perfume on the violet, 
To smooth the ice or add another hue 
Unto the rainbow, or with taper light, 
To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish." 

Far better satisfaction is given with the bestowal of a plump, 
rosy body and happy disposition, than all the finery to be pro- 
cured, particularly if the mother's vital forces are called out 
exhaustively, and her health injured, in decorating the ward- 
robe. 

Viola : Please, a few words more as to the diet suitable at 
this time. What especial directions would you give? 

Doctor : The best results to both mother and child will fol- 
low upon using a diet of the highest quality, which would be 
mainly fruits and grains. If animal food is eaten, it should be 
used but once a day. A variety of grains — unbolted wheaten 
bread, rye and corn bread, the different grain preparations in 
well-cooked mushes, eaten very slowly, and vegetables may be 
used rather sparingly. I know there is a fashion abroad of 
eating fruits alone, or mainly, and avoiding such articles as 
tend to make solid tissue. In that way painless childbirth is 
more nearly approached. It is a good plan, but where there is 
due regard for right living, in general, that is sufficient without 
imposing a restriction to very narrow lines. Two meals a 
day are preferable to three, and if the third meal is taken it 
must be a very light one. Drink freely of hot water on first 
rising each morning, also at tea time, and about an hour before 
the mid-day meal. Lemon juice may be added if liked. 
Never eat between meals. I do not mean, never eat a meal 
between meal times, but never eat anything except at regular 
meal hours. 

Viola: But what in case of "longings?" how may be 
appeased the craving for articles which are really quite out- 
landish? Would it not be dangerous to deny their gratifica- 
tion? 

Doctor: I would appease such " longings " very much as 
I would deny the desire to commit theft. Dismiss the thought 
as an intruder. Assert your own supremacy over desire. 
Know so well who you are, and what the work before you, that 



Helpful Words for Mothers. 21 

"longings" and all abnormal states will find no resting place. 
Treat this as you would any other mental or moral obliquity. 

Do Not Pet the Notion 

or favor it in any degree. There is no truth in the idea that 
when a woman is enciente she must at all times be liable to all 
sorts of vagaries, and, lest she "mark the child," yield to 
them. If Mind-Cure, by whatever name it is called, never did 
any good beyond this, it is invaluable. The lifting up of the 
life beyond the plane of natural things, of bodily pleasures and 
pains, and centering thought upon the spiritual, proportions 
things rightly, and in good time we are freed from slavish 
fears, and find ourselves full of the " assurances of hope." 

Viola : Motherhood may well rejoice in the consciousness 
of ability to reach attainments so high that morbid organic 
cravings will not invade. Every mother should make herself 
familiar with influences which are uplifting to the whole nature 
of both herself and the coming one. 

Doctor: The dress during this gestative period should be 
so entirely scientific as to fit the requirements for warmth and 
protection, and even beauty, without in any degree becoming 
an impediment to full breath and free circulation and entire 
freedom of motion. It will be the dress suited to the Woman 
of the New Age. 

Viola: Are there not special hygienic observances for this 
period suited to those who may not be in the highest health 
possible to them, but who would bring themselves up to better 
conditions through observance of proper means? 

Doctor: Yes. And the one who realizes the grave respon- 
sibility of this undertaking will not fail to appreciate all the 
help of which she can avail herself. Where the abdominal 
muscles are weak, a daily routine of self-massage treatment, 
followed by deep breathing exercise, may be employed. This 
may be done in the morning, before dressing, if a suitable hour 
in the forenoon cannot be made available. 

The dress must not in any way impede motion, hence, before 
the night-gown is exchanged for the day clothes, is a good 
season. 



22 Woman and Health. 

i. Lie flat on the back, extend arms from shoulder, at 
right angles, with a tension as though in the effort to reach a 
distant object. Try, as though this were really the case. At 
the same time stretch the lower limbs toward an imaginary 
object. Hold in this position and tenseness, long enough to 
count twenty, slowly. 

2. Completely relax every muscle. Fix the eyes upon a 
point; apiece of white paper pinned on the wall opposite is 
good ; look at this without even winking, count slowly and see 
how long you can hold the eyes steadily upon the object, at 
the same time preserving as complete relaxation as possible. 

3. Breathe. 

4. Pinch, rub, and press the muscles of the abdomen, stroke 
deeply and firmly upward, continuing the process about three 
minutes. 

5. Lying on the back extend both legs directly upward, at 
right angles with the body. Now bend one knee and bring it 
toward the chest, and extend it forcibly, as though about to 
hit something "a-swinging in the air." The same with the 
other leg. Repeat ten times. 

6. Knees drawn upward toward the chest, rotate thighs 
from right to left, and from left to right, five times each way. 

7. Extend arms directly upwards. Now stroke one, now 
the other, upward, with force ; ten times each. 

8. Sit on a stool, feet placed firmly on the floor, hands 
on the hips, rotate the body from right to left, slowly, five 
times. Reverse five times. In doing this, let the head describe 
a circle, bend body equally in each direction. 

9. Arms hanging down, hands grasping a light weight. 
Bend slowly from side to side as far as possible, each way. Ten 
times each. 

10. Arms still at sides ; bend slowly forward and back, 
ten times. 

11. Rotate the ankles, first one, then the other, from right 
to left and reverse. 

12. Pat the whole surface of the body and limbs vigorously 
for a few moments, after which, inhale deeply through nostrils, 
hold the breath, pat the chest while slowly exhaling. Repeat 
inhalations twice. 



Helpful Words for Mothers. 23 

It will be observed that no violence is done to even very 
weak parts. The woman who needs the help which voluntary 
movements are capable of affording cannot always be safely 
advised to take them in a standing position for very obvious 
reasons. Hence, pregnant women are best suited to take the 
movements as here recommended. It may be best to take only 
a few of these each day. And the repetition of each may be 
lessened or increased as circumstances indicate. These move- 
ments are useful in developing and giving tone where strength 
is most needed. During the whole period, passive exercise 
out of doors, riding, boating, etc., will be extremely beneficial, 
as also the more active, walking, light work, etc. For the last 
two or three months wear the diaper pack each night, or 
nearly every night. The bowels must be kept free. A gill of 
tepid water taken as enema, to be retained every morning after 
the bowels perform their diurnal office, is useful, and perhaps 
the syringe will be called into requisition daily ; if so, always 
take the small cool enema after the bowels have been well 
cleared by a full warm one. 

Sleep much. Retire early, not later than nine o'clock at 
night, and rise early, that morning's loveliness of air and sky 
and bird-song may have their elevating influence in turning the 
thoughts towards that Light which " lighteth every man that 
cometh into the world." 

As the last days come and go, and the longed-for time more 
nearly approaches, the prepared woman turns to the only 
Source of Strength, the only Power, with a loving faith which 
finds expression in these words of the Psalmist: 

" Bless Jehovah, O my soul, 
And forget not all His benefits, 
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, 
Who healeth all thy diseases; 
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, 
Who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies." 

Now the critical day is here. All is peaceful, calm, and 
ready. 

As her mind reaches out to the hour of delivery, such a 
welling up of courage and faith comes over every faculty, that 
she is enabled to say: 



24 Woman and Health. 

" Though I walk through the valley 
Of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil." 

Would that all wives and husbands were relieved from that 
superstitious dread of an event which is as natural as any other 
natural function of the body, and attended with as little hazard, 
under the right conditions. 

In the universal spiritual awakening of this day is incorpor- 
ated a power which will bring about a changed order of thought 
on this as well as other matters. I look for such a change right 
speedily as will lead woman to feel a lively amazement that 
she has borne her sufferings so long, under the mistaken notions 
of the past. 

Viola: Now that knowledge which will save from so much 
unnecessary pain and fear may be hers, merely for the 
asking, and its benefits accrue to her through application of 
what she may learn, and through right modes of thinking and 
doing, she is her own torturer and executioner whenever the 
eyes are willfully closed to this light, and the way of escape 
ignored. , 

How many, many times have women suffered death during 
the nine-months period, in mere apprehension of the 

Perils of Childbirth. 

Doctor: " Perils." How happens it to be attended with 
perilous consequences? Why not suffer death, as you say, 
every month when you think of encountering the perils of a 
natural monthly periodical function? Or, for that matter, why 
not bid farewell to neighbors and friends, make your will, and 
prepare to take a step into the unknown, every morning as the 
hour for a daily periodical function of the bowels arrives? I 
do hold that Maternity is invested with colossal responsibilities, 
but not perils. 

Women die in child-bed; what wonder? The greater mar- 
vel is that so many escape, even with the poor excuse of life 
and health which enables them to drag along through existence 
more dead than alive. 

In the light of what these lessons teach is readily seen the 



Helpful Words for Mothers. 25 

cause of all this wrong notion which frightens the prospective 
mother, cries wolf when no wolf is near. 

Hold up the straight line of law, which rules throughout 
the spiritual, mental, and natural kingdoms, and see how far the 
usages of civilized women fall short of reaching this line of rec- 
titude. If they happen to touch at all, it is only in points here 
and there, and their crookedness is made even more apparent. 
Perils of the perversity of a crooked generation, will do; but not 
the perils of natural childbirth. There are none. 

Viola : As one can scarcely know too much about the way 
through which she is to pass — and there are times when pro- 
fessional help cannot be had,— will you give an outline of 
the conduct of a labor? 

Doctor : I will. I just said the critical day is here ; the 
hour is now come. 

The Premonitory Symptoms of Labor 

are easily recognized, and I will not enumerate them. Clear 
well the bowels at once. Let the water used as enema be as 
hot as can be borne and very abundant in quantity. After this 
it is a good plan, if at all convenient, to take a hot sitz-bath of 
fifteen or twenty minutes, but it is not absolutely necessary. 
Hot fomentations to the lower abdomen are a means of 
comfort, if the patient is suited to remain in position to 
have them applied. Drink freely of hot water. As to position, 
I would emphasize this fact, that position is greatly influential. 
And why? The womb is a floating organ, that is, not fixed, 
bony, and is held suspended by ligaments, which have attach- 
ments to parts of the pelvic lining. It is through the pelvic 
canal the fetus travels on its way to the outer world. Because 
the womb is capable of becoming misplaced, owing to weak- 
ness of its supports and other causes, its mouth may not be 
found opposite the pelvic opening when labor begins, and 
hence the effect o£ contractile pains is to a great extent lost, 
and suffering uselessly endured. We know it is by contractile 
effort, made by the walls of the womb, that expulsion of the 
child takes place. And that sort of effort is made by the 
intestines and the bladder to rid themselves of their contents 



26 Woman and Health. 

when ready to do so. Now, an improper direction or the ex- 
pulsive forces, which increases pain and retards delivery, may 
be overcome simply by change of position. The mouth of 
the womb may be turned to the right or the left of the 
front of the pelvic opening ; any degree of obliquity will exert 
a proportionally aggravating influence. Let me illustrate. I 
place an apple in this silk work-pocket, and draw the strong 
elastic cord until the opening is just large enough to let the 
apple pass through, provided the pocket is held directly 
" up side down." But I hold it so the apple impinges now on 
the right side, now on the left, and in any direction it lodges 
in a sort of sack. So I imitate expulsive effort by drawing the 
silk tightly around the apple to force it out, yet it lodges and 
will not escape until a correct readjustment of the pocket is 
made. If, in addition to the resistance offered by the pocket, 
the apple is forced against some other unyielding object, 
matters are more as we find them in case of the opening of the 
womb being held in more or less degree against the pelvic 
walls. I do not doubt there are better illustrations than the 
one just presented, but if this serve the purpose of bringing 
to the reader a conviction that position in labor is important, 
and why it is, it will be sufficient. A little intelligence upon 
these matters will save much unnecessary and avoidable suffer- 
ing. During the early stages of labor the patient may — yes, 
should — walk about the room, lie down, assume any position 
she likes, and not hold to any fixed position. When the time 
arrives, however, for her to choose an attitude for the closing 
effort, I would recommend one of the two following as being 
productive of the easiest possible delivery. 

The First is the Erect Position, 

either standing on the feet near the bedstead, or some object 
which the hands may grasp, thus giving support and a feeling 
of ability to sustain the body erect, or kneeling upon a large 
pillow or folded comfortable, the knees well separated and 
hands clinging to a support. The naturalness of this position 
is plain when we consider how universal is the fact of grav- 
itation. Also, that in obedience to natural law, the fruit on a 



Helpful Words for Mothers. 27 

tree passes through the successive stages of development until 
a state of ripeness is attained, when it drops. The fetus has 
been aptly named the " fruit of the womb." Will it not obey 
the same law of gravitation which the apple does under the 
like circumstances? If there is nothing in the way it surely 
will, and if there is obstruction or impediment, another force 
comes in, and with persistent, resistless energy almost tears 
everything to pieces in its way. This is called expulsive 
effort, and the more it predominates in a labor the more pain 
is experienced, essential as the effort may be under existing 
conditions. Now, to approach painless labor, whatever influ- 
ence position may have should be thrown in the line of the 
plainest natural forces, and we see how simple and easy it is 
for a dependent weight to fall, if left to itself, unimpeded. 
The standing or kneeling position, then, would be first best. 
Next, the almost universal one, upon the left side, and it is, 
also, a convenient position. The knees should be held well 
apart by a roll of bedding, or a large pillow ; the body bent 
forward and knees drawn up. But the back or right side may 
sometimes be the proper position. 

"As the accoucheur, in most cases," says Meigs, " hath 
little really to do, except to receive and protect the child, and 
attend to the delivery of the after-birth, it would seem entirely 
suitable that, in the great majority of cases, an unprofessional 
assistant might take the place of the obstetrician. This, I be- 
lieve, will be the case when women are as well informed as 
they should be, and when they are worthy, through preparation, 
which is simply right living, to inherit the promised state. 
'There shall be no more pain, neither sorrow nor sighing.'" 

But as things now are, a professional adviser is necessary, 
though the patient need be none the less instructed in all things 
pertaining to Maternity. 

"The mind of a parturient woman is often observed to be in 
a sort of tumult, so that she grows bewildered with doubts and 
fear and pain. 

"Women are sometimes observed to become much disor- 
dered by this doubt, fear, and anguish, and so fall into great 
danger from the reaction of mind on the body, the progress of 
the labor being suspended, or its course quite perverted. 



28 . Woman and Health. 

" I have often supposed, in observing the good influence of 
kind and confident assurances, and intelligible explanations 
given to parturient women, that a great part of the distress 
they experience in childbirth is due to the alarm and doubt 
that attend it, and that to take away or annihilate the panic 
element of labor, would be to deprive the act of parturition of 
a large share of its anguish." (Meigs.) 

Are we not, then, on the highroad to painless labor, when 
we learn to control mental as well as physical states? I think 
so, and it all means proper instruction and obedience. 

Ah! what is that? 

"An infant crying in the night? " If the woman is in the stand- 
ing or kneeling position, the attendant receives the child on her 
hands, and having been provided with soft wrappings, it is 
snugly rolled up and put in some secure corner while the 
mother is attended to. Of course, the navel cord is first 
severed. Wait until there is no pulsation felt, when, with nar- 
row tape or any good string tie the cord securely, wrapping 
the string around several times. Now, make another tie about 
an inch from the first one, towards the placenta, which should 
be about the length of your finger from the navel. Cut the 
navel cord with dull scissors; this prevents bleeding so profusely. 
Place the hand on the abdomen, and find the womb contracted 
in a hard ball; the placenta has been expelled into the vagina, 
and can be carefully removed. 

If, however, the womb is not felt or is very soft and yields 
to light pressure, dip the hand in cold water and give a few 
gentle frictions to the abdomen, or wet the end of a towel in 
cold water and strike the abdomen quickly but lightly with it. 
This will cause the womb to contract. Let the patient place 
the back of her hand to her mouth and blow against it, or make 
the effort to do so. Take the placenta in the left hand and 
roll it around with the right hand several times, so as to gather 
the membranes into a string, and lessen the liability of some 
of them adhering to the internal surface of the womb, which 
would not be pleasant as offensive discharges follow. 

The placenta sometimes waits longer, and then the frictions 
and sudden applications of cold water should be repeated, and 
the patient encouraged to make strong bearing down effort. 



Helpful Words for Mothers. 29 

Wait patiently — so long as there is no hemorrhage, you can 
afford to do so. The expulsion is a natural office, and, unless 
the case is an exceptional one, should not be interfered with. 

Have ready the bandage, and soon as the placenta is 
removed, wring a towel from cold water, fold, and place on the 
abdomen. Over this several layers of dry flannel, and then 
bring the bandage around the whole, and pin very snugly from 
below upward. This is a time when snug dressing is admissible; 
comfortably tight. Now sponge in warm water any part of 
the surface that has become soiled, carefully wash the vulva, 
and apply soft, dry napkins, pinned to the bandage at the back 
and before to keep them in place. If the gown has been rolled 
up and fastened under the arm-pits, as the later stage of labor 
came on, and a folded sheet pinned around the body, it will 
be found very easy to unpin this soon as necessary, and let it 
become soiled instead of the gown skirt. Straighten the bed- 
clothes, wrap flannel about the legs, see that feet are warm, and 
let her rest. The child may be anointed with oil over the 
whole surface, and allowed to remain well wrapped, while prepa- 
rations are made for the first bath. There need be no hurry. 
Be careful to have the skin everywhere well cleaned. Dress 
the navel. Take a piece of old linen several folds in thickness, 
cut a hole in the middle large enough to admit the cord, oil 
this cloth, place it on the abdomen, drawing the cord through 
and fold over the cloth so it will securely hold its contents. 
Put on the "band" so as not to be too tight, and proceed to 
dress the newly-arrived. Soon as this process is completed, 
the mother may allow her child put to the breast. It is a good 
plan to do this early. 

"Eat?" Did you ask me about eating ? And " what shall 
we give baby ?" Well, you will remain in bed ten days ; you 
have performed a feat which taxed your vital powers to their 
utmost, were engaged in it nine long months, and now does a 
nine-days rest seem too long ? I know it is not. Too many 
women have come to me for relief from maladies which were 
induced by being entirely too smart at childbirth. Eat gruel ; 
have it made right. Fruits, nicely cooked, and very little 
sweetened. Do not eat canned fruit. Dry bread, dry toast ; 
unbolted bread, of course. Do not live in your taste for food ; 



30 Woman and Health. 

your requirements are met with what I have named, and it is 
safe for you to be guided by enlightened reason. Drink hot 
water, but not tea, coffee, or chocolate. Until after the third 
day I advise a diet of gruel almost exclusively, unless the 
flow of milk is excessive, when merely dry bread should take 
the place of more moist food. Do not eat oftener than usual, 
twice or three times a day. Generally cooked fruits agree with 
lying-in patients better than raw fruits, but that is not decisive. 
Eat raw fruit if you are sure it suits you. Whether you are a 
meat eater or not at other times, do not use meat now ; not 
until your lying-in period is past. You will be rewarded for 
whatever self-denial this advice imposes. Your baby will be 
better as well as yourself. And what shall baby do before the 
milk comes? Live on what it gets from the breast, and on 
warm water fed from a nice bottle. 

The very best monthly nurse I ever knew, Mrs. H., always 
takes a bottle of her own when she cares for an obstetric 
patient, and she trains baby to regular hours and all sensible 
ways. Baby is happy if kept warm and clean and quiet. It is 
cruel to handle a new baby, or to shake, rock, toss, bounce, 
trot, or otherwise persecute the little creature that demands to 
be let alone in peace. 

You will not receive your dearest friends for ten days or 
longer. It is no time for visiting. But, to our further advice. 
Have the compress re-wrung from cold water every time the 
bandage is adjusted during the day. Change the flannel cover 
for dry, and also if the bandage becomes soiled change that. 
Keep it pinned very snugly. If the bowels do not move before, 
give a full enema of warm water the fifth day. If it can be 
done, use a bed pan, but if not — and some cannot control 
their reluctance to its use — the chamber may be used in the 
bed. This is better than to get out on the floor. 

Hot spongings of the spine and hips will be grateful daily. 
A general sponge bath, also, in warm water, about every alter- 
nate day. Keep the breasts well drained. There is no need 
of "broken breast;" it is occasioned by culpable neglect or 
ignorance. 

Train baby from the first. Once in three hours during the 
day and once in the night is the rule. I have observed very 



Helpful Words for Mothers. 31 

carefully and extensively the effect of such advice in its prac- 
tical workings, and in not one instance has it proved other than 
beneficial. More, it is declared by those who adopted this 
plan to be a 

Blessed Gift to Mother and Child. 

I have a little girl baby,, born a few months ago — Hattie T., — 
and from birth to now she has known not one hour of illness. 
The mother passed through a serious experience with crural 
phlebitis, called " milk leg," and during the whole time Hattie 
was not allowed to vary her hour for eating, except that she 
slept overtime frequently, and was then allowed to wait till the 
regular hour came around. 

If she becomes restless and seems to call for food, hot 
water is provided, and that is satisfactory. Every one pro- 
nounces her a marvel for good-nature and loveliness in all 
respects, and she is gifted with beauty, too. 

Did you say " tired?" "Too long in bed?" 

This is your opportunity to make the acquaintance of your- 
self Who are you? What are you? 

I think the lying-in period will be none too long if you 
arouse thought-power, and apply it to many questions which 
are to come forth out of the to-morrows for solution, which, 
indeed, are waiting to be solved to-day. 

"What if baby has colic?" Give plenty of warm water, 
using the bottle ; that is the most convenient way of feeding 
baby. A small enema of warm water will afford relief, putting 
hot, dry flannels over the abdomen, also, and wrapping up very 
warm. 

Do not invest in a cradle. Do not allow your baby to be 
rocked, but let it grow in quiet and as nature intends. At 
three months, once in four hours feeding is sufficient, and soon, 
not at all during the night. 

I need not caution the one who will follow these directions 
to beware of the deadly sin of drugging a child with cordials, 
soothing syrups, and the like inventions of child-destroyers. 

But the ten days are gone. You may put on a tea gown 
and sit up for an hour at a time, and to-morrow or next day 



32 Worn mi and Health. 

join the family at table. But for two weeks or a month more 
rest than activity must be observed. 

This is for reasons which affect the spiritual nature as much 
as bodily health. 

You are not animal, at least it may be taken for granted as 
true ; and the higher life comes forth and pervades every 
department of being, even to the ultimate physical nature, and 
does so in the still, quiet season of retirement, which it is the 
right of every woman to have provided for her at such a time. 

She descended to the very brink of death for her child, for 
her husband, for humanity. Now she rises, and is drawn with 
increased attraction toward the heights whither she would have 
her loved ones and all the race ascend. 

Is this lost time? Would it be wiser to perform feats of 
physical strength to show what a tough animal woman is? 



Children. 33 



CHAPTER III. 

CHILDREN. 

" What does little birdie say 
In her nest at peep of day? 
Let me fly, says little birdie, 
Mother, let me fly away. 
Birdie, rest a little longer 
Till the little wings are stronger; 
So she rests a little longer, 
Then she flies away. 

" What does little baby say 
In her bed at peep of day? 
Baby says, like little birdie, 
Let me rise and fly away. 
Baby, sleep a little longer 
Till the little limbs are stronger; 
If she sleeps a little longer, 
Baby, too, shall fly away." 

Alfred Tennyson. 

Doctor: The lesson for to-day is unnatural; but, as children 
seem compelled to run the gauntlet of an existence full of 
pathological "bears in the way" likely to catch and tear the 
little ones in pieces, perhaps it is essential to know what sort 
of bears they are, and how to avoid them. I say again, that 
diseases of children are wholly unnatural. There should be 
nothing of the kind known. It is a sad comment upon modern 
human parentage that the civilization of to-day estimates it 
more like an excrescence desirable to become rid of, than as a 
godly ally which starts the upward, highest, noblest tendencies, 
and awakens the soul's innate powers. This should not be; 
it will not be. Mothers ! Do you not 

" Hear with that mysterious sense,— 

Breathings that evade detection, 

Whisper faint and fine inflection, 

Thrill in you with power intense? " 

Viola: But whole books are written upon the diseases of 
children, and one would think it the most natural thing in the 
world for them to be sick. 
3 



34 Woman and Health. 

Julia: Yes, and they are sick. They die so easily; from a 
few days old, all along babyhood and childhood, it is one suc- 
cession of ailments. 

Doctor: But such a state of things is not in harmony with 
God's plan. However, we must take our position among things 
as they are, and from thence seek a better way. 

A London physician says, "Constant sickness is a common 
trouble of mothers during the first year; the cause is almost 
always injudicious feeding." Not so with our mother. She 
keeps her own health up to so high a standard, through correct 
living, that baby draws nourishment adapted to sustain health 
and promote growth and vigor. She does not use wine, or 
beer, or any kind of stimulant, preferring to have a sober baby, 
which the wine or beer drinking mother cannot have, from the 
earliest period of its existence until baby is weaned. 

Julia: That is a shocking statement. Do you say, because 
the mother's blood is in common with that of the child, for it 
is from the blood the milk is secreted, that if she takes alco- 
holic beverages, the child is affected? 

Viola: Why, Julia, you answered your own question. You 
must know of a common experience like this — that medicines 
which the mother takes often make the child sick, while the 
mother will be but slightly affected. 

Julia: Perhaps this accounts for what our neighbor, Mrs. 
J., said — that she never gave her baby sleeping medicines or 
soothing syrups, and found that she could control its restless- 
ness by simply taking her beer, which helped baby and made 
it sleep. 

Doctor: Did that mother know she was a sort of walking 
brewery for her baby? And that it is really a drunken baby? 
It is true. If the mother's diet and mental states are capable 
of affecting a child, why not her drink? Is alcohol any 
exception to the rule which allows substances taken into the 
mother's stomach, and absorbed into the blood, to be taken up 
by the secretion of the mammary glands? In fact, nature will 
even defend the mother from the full effects of harmful materials 
by seeking to rid the system of them through that channel, and 
that, together with the fact of the child's greater sensitiveness 



Children. 35 

to such impressions, accounts for what you said about the 
mother's medicine affecting the child more than herself. 
Viola: What a comment upon motherhood ! 

" Who can tell what a baby thinks, 
Who can follow the gossamer links 

By which the mannikin feels his way 
Out from the shore of the great unknown, 
Blind and wailing, and alone 

Into the light of day? 
Out from the shore of the unknown sea 
Tossing in pitiful agony, 
Of the unknown sea that reels and rolls, 
Specked with the barks of little souls — 
Barks that were launched on the other side 
And slipped from heaven on an ebbing tide, — 

What does he think of his mother's breast, 
Bare and beautiful, smooth and white, 
Seeking it ever with fresh delight, 

Cup of his life, and couch of his rest?" 

Julia: It is strange that women do not know better than 
to take those things. Our good temperance women think they 
must have stimulants in order to bear the tax of nursing. Not 
all think so, but some do, and I shall try to show them that 
alcoholized blood is the material out of which the little body 
is actually to be formed so long as the nursing period lasts, 
which is usually at least twelve months. 

Doctor: It is not an intoxicated baby we are to consider as 
a type of what should be, yes, and is, in many, many instances, 
thank God. Chosen maternity, prepared mother, trained baby ; 
where may we look for the diseases of childhood? From the 
first day, as already said, regular hours for taking food are 
observed. Early, perhaps in about three months, baby takes 
food four times a day, and very seldom, if at all, during the 
night. Daily airings, a quiet life in sunny apartments and out 
of doors, an early bed-time, no rocking to sleep, simply 
changing the day for sweet, fresh night clothes, and tucking up 
in the crib: no chance for "pestilence" here. 

Even teething will be safely encountered. When there is 
feverishness and head hot, a little hot foot-bath of a few 
moments, cool cloth on the head, and nice soft bandage wrung 
from warm water pinned around the body. Dry flannel to 
cover this. The little half pack or bandage, and full enemas 
of warm water, will give quick relief. Spongings down the 
spine are a comfort to the teething child. 



36 Woman and Health. 

An occasional hot bath, about 95 ° to ioo°, for five to ten 
minutes, then wrap in a dry warm sheet, and over this a 
blanket closely drawn about the body and limbs, allowing this 
to remain for an hour or so, or as long as quiet and rest are 
secured. 

Any irregularity of the bowels is promptly relieved by these 
means. When the time approaches for baby to be weaned, 
make a thin gruel of whole wheat or unbolted flour, cook this 
half an hour or longer. Strain through a fine sieve, and with 
this gruel put new fresh milk, perhaps about equal quantity. 
This is suitable without any seasoning. 

Viola : Children do have hard struggles during teething. 
And those so unfortunate as to be left to the care of nurse 
girls, or, what is equally as bad, the uninformed instincts of 
mothers who do not think, suffer inevitably. If the child cries, 
the breast is offered, at any and all hours of day and night. 
No wonder the weary dragged-out woman resorts to means 
which promise strength, even if it be only temporary. 

Doctor : There are diseases attendant upon the period of 
dentition, in children as usually met, and there are disordered 
digestion, bowels loose, and green lumpy discharges, or 
diarrhoea, and sometimes, but not usually, constipation. Con- 
vulsions and brain disorders are also very common. Paralysis 
is liable to occur suddenly. Some children have difficulty in 
urinating. Marasmus, thirst, irritability, constant restlessness, 
appetite delicate, etc. Summing up the whole group, let me 
assure you there is nothing formidable in this. Not so much 
so as the non-receptive attitude liable to be assumed towards 
truths which would release these little sufferers and make them 
happy in their newly-tried earth experiences. 

Throw away the nauseous medicines. Leave them for the 
doctors. Mothers have no need of them. Make your darling 
comfortable. Warm the feet, cool the head, give the beautiful 
fruits for food. Compel the household to observe quiet. Do 
not allow loud or boisterous talking, or tossing and any 
exciting influence. Do not try to " call baby out " in the many 
ways its admirers are tempted to do. Often at what fatal 
expenditure of vital force on the part of baby is the delight in 
its interesting ways procured. Anxiety prompts almost to 



Children. 37 

force a sick child to appear better. I now recall a case illus- 
trating the unwisdom of such a course. A delicate precocious 
child had become suddenly ill after attending a child's party 
and partaking freely of cakes, ices, and confections, besides 
having been much overtaxed nervously through what comes of 
proud and delighted parents and friends. This child was the 
center of attraction in a large circle of fond admirers, and must 
contribute to their enjoyment at the expense of its own life 
forces. But they did not so understand the matter. On my 
first visit to the case, I said there is no hope for your child if 
you allow any tax made upon her brain. That evening, when 
I left, symptoms were abating ; it was congestion of the 
stomach, with black vomit, and things appeared prosperous. 
What occurred? Company came ; the unwise father permitted 
the sick-room to be invaded, his child, feeling better, shared in 
lively conversation greatly to the entertainment of all, and the 
hour was late when the guests departed. Next morning on my 
way to the house I met this father, and he exclaimed joyfully, 
" Ah, doctor, your patient will disappoint you, she is much 
better, talked and sang for company last night, and before we 
arose this morning called for her books and playthings ; you 
will find her sitting up in bed enjoying herself !" I replied, 
" If you have allowed that brain to become taxed in those 
ways I will find my case not better." It was true. On entering 
the room I saw the child was dying. The last spark of life in 
that little body was burning brightly, but in a few hours it was 
completely gone. 

Viola : I suppose the vital forces had all they could do to 
sustain remedial effort prompted by the presence of materials 
in the system obnoxious to them ; diverting the nervous power 
into other channels prevented the full accomplishment of 
remedial purposes by exhausting the only means through 
which they could be attained. Hence the struggle between 
the chemical and vital forces became unequal in a direction 
which allowed the latter to be overcome. It is plain that the 
possibilities of recovery lay in saving, not expending, the vital 
force. 

Julia : But it is so hard to refrain from getting evidence 
very frequently which you think sustains hope. Those parents 



38 Woman and Health. 

were happy to see the child interested, and to them it was suf- 
ficient proof of its bettered condition. Many do likewise. 

Viola : Is it proper to cut the swelled gums of a teething 
child? 

Doctor : Quite so, if the right time is selected. Be sure the 
tooth is making its way through with a determination to appear 
shortly, for repeated cuttings only give unnecessary pain, and 
also hinder dentition, for a cicatrix is formed which resists the 
growing tooth more than did the gum uncut. 

Sometimes earache evidently troubles the little one when 
teething ; cloths wrung from hot water placed to the ears, and 
covered, will ease. A small fomenter with hot water placed on 
the pillow, and soft flannel over that, is a convenient and 
agreeable way of applying warmth to the ear and head in these 
cases. 

Spasms will readily yield to the full warm bath, and when 
relaxed, wrap in dry warm sheet and blanket, with fomenter to 
the stomach and something warm to the feet, while the head 
is cooled by warm spongings. Do not leave a wet cloth on the 
head. The bowels must be cleared by full enema, and for a 
few days succeeding the spasm, give only a small amount of 
food, and that well-cooked gruel and cooked fruit juices. 
Quiet must follow. 

If a child seems to be failing in flesh and strength, appetite 
delicate, tongue coated or shiny, bowels constipated or quite 
too open, passages offensive and acrid so the private parts are 
chafed badly, etc., there is something wrong at the center. 
The child is not nourished. With these symptoms there often 
is vomiting, restlessness, peevishness, some fever, and the sleep 
is not sound. No matter what you name the trouble, it is time 
to begin treatment. 

Foment the liver and bowels fifteen minutes twice a day. 
Give a full enema of warm water, adding a spoonful of sweet oil. 

Put on a compress over the liver and bowels, and pin dry 
flannel snugly over this. Give a hot foot-bath. Sponge face 
and head in warm water. Cool water in teaspoonful doses fre- 
quently. Quiet and rest. For food, give a gruel made of corn 
meal cooked two to three hours, thin, let it stand, and a smooth 
substance will form on the upper part. With this put an equa 



Children. 39 

amount of bran tea. Add a few spoonfuls of milk. This at 
regular intervals. Fruit juices also may be given. In using 
berries, do not allow a child at all delicate to eat them raw. 
Better cook and strain to reject seeds. Fruit juices and good 
unbolted bread are good food. Manipulate the arms and legs 
gently, also the abdomen. Place the child on a couch face 
down, and gently press the sides, down the spine, and pat a 
few moments. There are so many soothing, quieting ways 
which only an enlightened mother can devise, and she will not 
fall short of the best. Sunshine and pure air will aid in the 
work of restoration. So important is this thought of 

Saving Vital Force 

that I would write it in large letters on the walls of nurseries 
all over the land. 

Cruel vampirism practiced upon the defenseless little ones 
takes form variously, and this everlasting kissing of children is 
one of the ways which I doubt not are extremely repulsive to 
the sensitive creature that is victimized. How is the delicate 
lily or rosebud affected by touch and handling? What of the 
pet kitten that proverbially becomes puny, and finally dies, of 
fondling caresses bestowed by its little owner? Has a human 
child more vitality, proportionately, than a cat-child, which 
comes of ancestry said to possess nine lives? If, then, on the 
same animal plane, like causes produce like results, the added 
call for nervous expenditure suited to the developing mental 
powers of the human ought to be sufficient reason for protection 
against influences likely to become exhaustive of the life forces. 

Viola : Babyhood, then, is a vegetative period. You would 
clothe a child comfortably, securing entire freedom of every 
portion and muscle of the body, equable warmth, and scrupulous 
cleanliness, regular supply of suitable food and drink, space 
lighted by the sun and purified by wholesome breezes, oppor- 
tunity for — 

" Ever some new tiny notion 
Making every limb all motion ; 
Catchings up of legs and arms, 
Throwings back and small alarms ; 
Clutching fingers, straightening jerks; 
Twining feet, whose each toe works ; 
Rickings up and straining risings ; 



40 Woman and Health. 

Mother's ever new surprisings ; 
Hands all wants and looks all wonder 
At all things the heavens under. 
Slumbers, — such sweet angel-seemings, 
That we'd always have such dreamings." 

Doctor : Yes, and thus would a sound foundation be se- 
cured. The immortal structure demands no less. Every detail 
of baby-care should be familiar to a mother. From the first 
she must know how to have the bath properly given. Warm 
water at about 95 ° used. A quick wash-off in basin or tub 
succeeds careful local washings ; under arms, about the neck, 
ears, groins, toes, and fingers. Use pure white soap for this, the 
highly perfumed fancy soaps are not so good. A little borax 
in the water for these local washings is useful. This done, put 
baby in basin or tub, and quickly rub and wrap in large soft 
towel, or little bath sheet. Roll and rub and pat the body and 
limbs until a full glow is produced over the whole surface. 
What a happy experience this, as evidenced by the " crows 
and laughs " and unwilling return to the very trifling restraint 
of simple clothing. It is well to let a child luxuriate in an air 
bath daily, and, if more convenient, this may be taken at the 
time of night and morning dressing. All clothing should be 
dispensed with for the time. Daily buggy rides on quiet 
streets, if in town, are important as passive exercise ; but babies 
should not be taken " down town " by the nurse, hauled all 
about the streets, the baby carriage allowed to remain any- 
where to suit nurse while she gossips with her friends, and 
probably in her impatience inflicts some punishment, or 
frightens the little one into silence, if its wrongs or uncomfort- 
ableness should prompt to outcry. I have witnessed cruelties 
on the streets of this very character. Have known mothers to 
be out pleasure-seeking, leaving their darlings to the pitiless 
care of an ignorant hireling. And it was not for lack of 
affection for the child, rather was it want of appreciation of the 
royal gift which was hers in motherhood. 

The mother must know exactly how to prepare baby's food, 
and what kinds are best suited to its well being. 

The office of physician is also vested in the mother. It is 
not unfrequently said to one who has passed through a trying 
and protracted season of watchful anxiety over the sick child : 



Children. 41 

" Had it not been for your good nursing the case would have 
failed to recover. That did more than all the medical aid I 
could give." 

Julia : I saw a baby all broken out with an eruption of 
some kind, I think the mother called it some form of eczema ; 
salt rheum or tetter the doctors had told her. It covered the 
face and scalp with a crust which it was impossible to prevent 
the child from tearing off, doubtless the itching was so severe. 
This had come on a few weeks after teething commenced, and 
it was thought the little sufferer would get relief as soon as the 
teeth appeared, but it only continued to increase in spite of all 
that had been done. 

Doctor : This form of skin disease may begin soon after 
birth, and is not confined to the face and scalp, for the whole 
body is affected in severe cases. It commences as a number 
of scattered red points, which quickly run together, and 
moisture soon exudes. It is called milk crust, because it seems 
to be associated with nursing. Sometimes it is called tooth- 
rash, and is expected to disappear in good time, as the first 
teeth are cut. Here is a fact in such cases. A habit is formed, 
and a good one, which produces return of the disorder at times 
afterwards. It is the same as 

Scald Head, 

which discharges a great deal of fluid, and is very aggravating 
in its persistence. 

While speaking of these eruptions common in childhood, I 
would name a kind of eczema which appears behind the ears, 
or in the bends of the elbows and knees, sometimes about the 
face and hands ; it is called tetter. The itching is frequently 
very troublesome, even before eruption appears. When a child 
begins to chafe, wash in good pure soap, with borax, rinse the 
parts in bran tea, anal wipe off dry, immediately dusting with 
corn starch or lycopodium. Be careful to prevent irritation 
from clothing. Woolen garments cannot be worn next the 
skin of an eczematous child, but should be worn over cotton 
or linen. Colored stockings are often poisonous, and their 
effects may produce a stubborn exhibition of this disorder. 



42 Woman and Health. 

The diapers of infants are not unfrequently prolific causes, I 
am sorry to say. It is a way of some mothers to dry a diaper 
which has received only the urinary excretion, and allow it to 
be replaced as though it were fit to be used without having 
been washed. Surely it is an extreme case that forbids so 
trifling an effort as that of simply placing a wetted diaper in a 
vessel of clean water, rinsing and drying it ready for use, even 
if not smoothed on the ironing-board. Urine is an excretion. 
It has been cast out of the system as unfit to remain there. A 
cloth saturated with it, even if dried, is capable of yielding 
enough impurities to produce irritation of the skin, and doubt- 
less some degree of blood defilements, for the skin absorbs 
substances in contact with it without choice or reason. 

Julia: How is a child to be cured of these eruptions? 
From what you said of distilling alcohol into the system of a 
child through the mother's milk, I would infer that good effects 
might be produced as well by securing good material from 
which the lacteal secretion is to be formed. So the child while 
nursing would depend for improvement in health very much 
upon what the mother provides by way of aliment. 

Doctor : Very true, indeed. The larger number of chil- 
dren's ailments are curable through the mother. She must 
live on pure food, obey health laws, and maintain a high degree 
of physical vigor, aside from any intellectual or moral consider- 
ation. A child so afflicted must not be treated as having only 
a skin, and that wholly the cause of its own bad condition. 
The affection is 

Constitutional, 

and must be so considered in any form of treatment selected. 
If nursing, the mother must live on absolutely a grain and fruit 
diet. If the child is at such age as to be weaned, the food 
should be very pure, fruit juices and bread, no vegetables, 
unless vegetable tea is used as a soup with bread. All hygienic 
aids may be invoked. But the skin needs only to be kept 
clean ; temperature is an influential means in these cases. As 
hot water as will be allowed should be used in washing the 
affected parts. There are innocent soothing appliances in the 
way of lotions ; some suit some cases better than others. 



Children. 43 

Diluted glycerine, about half water, a weak carbolic wash, weak 
borax water, etc. Sometimes pure sweet oil is agreeable. Be 
sure not to allow any poison to enter as an ingredient. But 
nothing promises such success as hot washings, and wearing of 
fine, soft, cool compress covered with dry. A baby seven 
months old was brought me over twenty years ago, covered 
with a crust — head, face, body, and limbs. The mother was 
an apparently healthy woman, of full habit, and quite unin- 
formed as to anything relating to health. But she was a true 
mother, and willingly observed directions. Her baby first 
showed signs of this eruption when two months old. Physicians 
had been in attendance during the months from that time until 
I first saw the case. What did I do? Told the mother she 
must live strictly on fruit and grains. She was a high liver, 
accustomed to rich and dainty food and drinks. She obeyed 
at once, after learning my reasons for such a request. Baby's 
gums and mouth were so inflamed and sore they bled often 
when nursing. I ordered "fine linen sheets and soft wool 
blankets. Wrung the sheet from pure soft water, folded it so 
as to wrap the body from under the arm-pits to below the feet. 
About the shoulders and arms wrapped another piece of linen 
so that the arms could be free. Covered all with dry woolen. 
The head and face were similarly wrapped, leaving space for 
the eyes, nose, and mouth. Two nurses were required. When 
the applications were first made the child fell asleep and was 
quiet two hours, which was unusual, even with using opiates. 
Whenever it became very restless the blanket was opened, and 
the heated and drying sheet sprinkled with pure warm water, 
and a fresh dry blanket put on. Each morning the whole mass 
of eruption was well cleansed, using hot water, borax, and nice 
soap, rinsing in bran water which was strained through fine 
cloth. From irregular times and all times of eating the breast 
was given once in four hours only. Pure cold water, slippery- 
elm water, and flax-seed tea were given frequently. Radical 
change in diet affected the mother unpleasantly at first. Three 
weeks of close attention day and night, by nurses and mother, 
brought the case to a point where we could bandage each arm 
and leg separately, a bandage about the body and thighs, and 
a loose gown put on over this. The head and face began to 



44 Woman and Health. 

heal, mouth less inflamed, and hours of quiet and rest were 
had. Improvement from this point was marked ; in six weeks 
more of purification and healing the case was comfortable. It 
took three months to effect a cure. The mother was opposed 
to weaning her child, and that fortunately brought her into an 
experience which resulted in adding one more noble woman to 
the ranks of the self-disciplined and enlightened. I have given 
you this in order to illustrate the truth of the unity of disease 
and unity of parts in the organism. This established in the 
mind gives clearness and force to thought concerning remedial 
means, and the most efficacious, because most simple and 
natural, will be chosen. Less severe cases would demand less 
heroic administration of treatment, perhaps not less strictness 
in diet. 

Viola : Is not scrofula something like the case described? 

Doctor : Scrofula is simply an inability of the system to 
cleanse itself. It is a condition below par. Hence unused and 
unusable materials accumulate, and many forms of remedial 
effort are assumed in the struggle to rid the system of them. 
It is not a distinct disease, but interwoven with the whole 
pathological fabric, giving light and shade to pretty much all 
the ailments. 

Julia: But here is a real distinct disease — whooping- 
cough. What can be done for that? 

Viola : I can prescribe from the case book. Fomentations 
to the chest each night for half an hour, followed by compress 
well covered and warm at night. Bowels kept free, food pure, 
the skin made active by dry rubbings night and morning. Such 
little attention will keep up the strength while the cough has 
its own way. 

Doctor: To summarize. Disease is not one thing in child- 
hood and another in adult life. It is always an action. The 
same law of cause and effect, the same natural cure methods 
adapted to states are applicable. It matters little what name 
the disorder bears, for it is only a varied process of purification 
and elimination that is indicated. 

And now to mothers I would say such encouraging words 
that my sanity might be questioned. Here are your possibili- 
ties. Heaven-crowned womanhood. Inspired motherhood. 



Children. 45 

Regenerated manhood, and angel-gifted childhood. They are 
not realized fully to-day, but, so far as in us lies, to reach out 
after these, so far do they become realities to us. 

Sweep sickness out of your homes. What a change ! It can 
be done. You can bear your children without pain. Can bring 
them up to manhood and womanhood without sickness. 

Will you do it? I believe you will. 

" God works in all things ; all obey 

His first propulsion from the night. 
Wake then and watch ! — the world is gray 
With morning light ! " 



46 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER IV. 

UTERINE PHYSIOLOGY. 

Doctor : To-day it is our privilege to enter upon the study 
of those physiological and pathological peculiarities of the 
human organism, really known only to Woman. "We only 
know what we have lived ;" and here I would further insist that 
these subjects be taken up as a study, which affords attractions 
not inferior to any other branch of knowledge, and vastly more 
important than many things which receive your very earnest 
attention and endeavor. I so heartily invite you to this work, 
because I believe it a mission of usefulness and benevolence. 

The want of information among those of our sex, as to the 
meaning and tendency of certain trains of symptoms, their 
causes and indications for cure, presents the humiliating, dis- 
tressing facts pertaining to the great army of the uncured, 
marching faithfully from one physician to another, from town 
to town, city to city, state to state, continent to continent, 
ending at last in the gradual approach to a comprehension of 
the truth gained by such dearly-bought experience, or, what is 
more commonly the case, finding refuge in the grave. Nearly 
all these cases are at first of very trifling importance, as is well 
known to medical practitioners, and what is it but popular 
ignorance and superstition of the laity, coupled with selfish- 
ness and love of gain in the profession that allows these simple 
affections to be so mismanaged, the patient so misinformed, 
that the health, happiness, and usefulness of our women are 
to-day ruinously sacrificed ? 

Woman must k?ww the mechanism of her frame, its physi- 
ological functions and pathological liabilities, also the laws 
which keep "the harp in tune," and in conformity to which 
►her life should be adjusted. Then, if she suffer the very 
extremity of pain and invalidism, it is from enlightened choice; 



Uterine Physiology. 47 

with resolution becoming a martyr, she may cling to her mala- 
dies, wrap them about her like a cloak and " lie down to" — 
suffer. 

What is it, let me ask, in the organization of woman's 
frame that can be so secretly deranged, so mysteriously 
disordered as to elude all investigation and inquiry, all attempts 
at mitigation and cure ? What is the disorder that may not 
be made in its incipiency to yield to suitable prescriptions? 
There is none. All this mismanagement and mass of incurability 
lies not at the door of our organizations, but of our mistaken 
notions concerning ourselves. Who is at fault for this igno- 
rance? Both "Delia and her doctors." She does not ask 
to know — scarcely to be cured, for she has a notion that it 
cannot be done, but only to be relieved of present pain, and 
her doctors do not care to have her know. 

Dr. Meigs, in remarks to his class, says : " The fault is 
chargeable to us, and our fault consists in the concealment 
within our breasts of a great amount of 

Communicable Information 

which it is our duty to pour forth into the public mind, and 
which we should certainly diffuse, spread abroad and make 
common, but for our clerkly or clergyable pride. Doctors 
have an idea that their knowledge cannot be imparted to the 
world, and that it is better, in fact, that the world should not 
be possessed of such recondite information as theirs. I believe 
that if any medical practitioner be endowed with a clear per- 
ceptive power, a sound judgment, a real probity, and a proper 
degree of intelligence, he will, so far as to the extent of his 
particular sphere of action, be found capable of greatly lessen- 
ing these evils of which complaint is here made ; and if these 
qualities are generally attached to physicians, then it is in their 
power to abate the evil throughout the population in general." 
Viola: It seems to me this absence of information among 
us fosters evils which affect our views as to the propriety of ap- 
plying to some phase of quackery, which may happen to break 
out in our midst, like a transient epidemic, infecting all the 
foolish people around, and leaving those who live through it no 
better, no wiser, even all the more susceptible to the next turn 



•AS Woman and Health. 

of the wheel, having " horse-room and cart-room for being as 
mad as we please." 

Julia: I have an idea that, if even the little knowledge 
which you and I possess of the physiology and anatomy of our 
pelvic organs, together with what we know of therapeutics, 
were in the possession of woman in general, she would not care 
to be as mad as she pleases, to submit herself to methods of 
treatment which violate every instinct of true modesty, to allow 
herself no voice of remonstrance, or even inquiry as to why 
this should be done, to see her name paraded in the public 
print as one of the " cured " of some uterine displacement, or 
worse, to be stared out of countenance by " agents " of ab- 
dominal supporters, pessaries, specifics for womb diseases, and 
for drugs which must not be taken during all times of the 
month, etc. 

Doctor: No, no. All these shameful witnesses to our lack 
of discrimination between the true physician and the quack will 
be swept away, when woman has recourse to reasoning about 
the matters which concern her welfare, and through her, man's 
welfare also. I remember, when Charlotte Cushman, in " Meg 
Merrilies," offered her devil's broth to honest Dominie Sampson, 
and he feared to take the dose, the witch said to him, 

" Gape, Sinner, and Swallow." 

Dr. Meigs quotes this as a fair representation of the way 
doctors and patients generally do, — doctors clothe their pro- 
ceedings in mystery, and patients yield implicit credulity and 
obedience, without reason or question. Both parties are in- 
jured, thanks to the law of reciprocity. On the other hand, a 
well-informed patient is the most exact in all duties which her 
intelligent physician points out, while in return, the case pros- 
pers, so that reputation for skill is assured to her doctor. 
The best instructed patient is the one most truly grateful for 
medical intervention, and most confiding in your judgment and 
skill, for she is governed, not by a blind faith, which is only 
credulity, but enlightened reason. It is the difference between 
dense fog and bright sunlight. 

Viola: "Would that all our brethren in this land might 



Uterine Physiology. 49 

adopt views like these. With their united force of intellect, 
character, beneficence, and social position, it would be but a 
short time ere the diminished head of charlatanism, under 
whatever disguise, would be found to lift itself up only among 
the most ignorant and abject portions of the population, instead 
of riding, as it does to-day, with chariots and with horsemen, a 
shame to the intelligence of the age, and a perpetual eyesore 
to the lover of truth and contumer of every species of impos- 
ture." (Meigs.) 

Doctor: We are consuming time in this preliminary. Turn 
to your books on uterine anatomy, and tell me where the uterus 
is situated ? 

Viola: In the center of the pelvic cavity. 

Doctor: Has the uterus any connectio7is with the other organs 
contained in the pelvis ? 

Julia: It has, and very important ones. It is connected 
with the bladder which lies in front, and the rectum, back of 
it. So its diseases and displacements have a marked influence 
on the functions of these organs. 

Doctor: In what are the uterus and its appendages, the Fallo- 
pian tubes, ovaries, and round ligaments, contained ? 

Viola: In folds of the peritoneum, which folds are called 
the lateral or broad ligaments. 

Doctor: What is the form of the uterus f 

Jidia: That of a truncated cone, the organ and its append- 
ages somewhat resembling a pear, with the base upwards, and 
flattened from before backward. 

Doctor: ' What is the size of the uterus, thickness, and the capa- 
city of its cavity ? 

Viola: "The virgin uterus," says Dr. Montgomery, "is 
about two and one-fourth inches long, one and three-fourths 
broad, and about an inch from back to front, with a cavity 
which would not more than receive into it the kernel of an 
almond." 

Doctor: What is its upper, bulky portion called ? 

Julia: The body or fundus; the truncated summit, which 
connects with the vagina, is called its neck, or cervix; and its 
opening into the vagina, its mouth, or os uteri. 

4 



50 Woman and Health. 

Doctor: What is the length of the neck ? 

Viola : From an inch to an inch and a half long. The 
mouth extends somewhat into the vaginal passage, dividing 
there into two projecting lips, front and back, between which 
is a transverse cleft, the orifice of the uterine cavity. 

Doctor : What is the shape of the cavity of the uterus ? 

Julia : Triangular, and at its upper angles open the orifices 
of the Fallopian tubes. 

Doctor: What is the weight of the uterus ? 

Viola : About an ounce and a half, and only half an ounce 
greater in those who have borne children. 

Doctor: What is the substance of which the uterus is composed? 

Julia: It has not been fully understood, but is agreed to 
be a peculiar muscular structure, and the whole organ undergoes 
remarkable change during pregnancy and parturition. Church- 
ill says: "The structure of the uterus, in its quiescent state 
so close and firm, becomes loosened; its interlacing fibers being 
separated, numerous interspaces are left, some of them of 
considerable size, and mainly occupied by the enlarged vessels 
and nerves. Some authors affirm, and I believe with truth, 
that an addition of new matter takes place in the substance of 
the womb during gestation, and point out as a proof, the 
immensely increased size of the womb, and the augmented 
thickness of the walls." 

Doctor: Is there not an equally remarkable change in the blood- 
vessels ? 

Viola : There is, " before conception, just so many trans- 
mitted red blood [vessels], and were visible, as sufficed for its 
nutrition and for its periodical 'flow,' but during pregnancy, 
these vessels increase to many times their original size ; 
and vessels into which red blood had never before pene- 
trated, now enlarge, and carry red blood for the nutrition of 
the fetus." 

Doctor: How are the nerves of the uterus affected by pregnancy? 

Julia : They become enlarged to a remarkable degree, and 
this is very wonderful, for it is not from distention, as in the 
case of the blood-vessels, but is the result of an actual increase 
of substance in each nerve. 

Doctor: How are the lymphatics affected ? 



Uterine Physiology. 51 

Viola : In the virgin uterus they can scarcely be detected, 
but now undergo a development similar to the other vessels, 
and form a remarkable portion of the vascular network sup- 
plying and surrounding the uterine system. 

Doctor : What membrane lines the cavities of the uterus f 

Julia: Mucous membrane, but it differs somewhat from 
the mucous structures in every other part of the body, in being 
more intimately blended with, or continued into, the other 
structures forming the walls of the uterus. 

Doctor: What office do the ligaments of the uterus perform ? 

Viola : They steady the organ in its central position, but 
are not the main supports of the uterus, because they are not 
firmly attached, but float loosely in the pelvic cavity and yield 
to the enlargement and changed position of the uterus during 
pregnancy. 

Doctor : How are the broad or lateral ligaments formed ? 

Julia : By the reflexion of the peritoneum from the front 
to the back surface of the uterus, and between their folds there 
is an areolar tissue, which allows of their adaptation to the 
enlargement of the uterus in pregnancy. 

Doctor : Where are the round ligaments implanted ? 

Viola : Each side of the uterus, just below the ligaments 
of the Fallopian tubes. 

Doctor : Describe the Fallopian tubes. 

Julia: They constitute fibrous cords which support the 
broad ligaments, while they are enveloped in their peritoneal 
folds. The canal of the Fallopian tubes is lined by mucous 
membrane similar to that of the alimentary canal. 

Doctor: Where are the ovaries situated f 

Viola: They occupy the upper margin of the broad liga- 
ments, and are situated in the cavity of the pelvis, nearly on a 
level with the fundus of the uterus, about two inches each side 
from the uterus. The vagina is a very extensible, yet in 
healthy females, a closed canal. Its upper portion affords 
support to the uterus, assisted by the abdominal muscles, and 
somewhat by the lateral and broad ligaments. It is of various 
lengths, from three to four inches, the average, yet is often 
more than six, and even less than three. It is connected three- 
fourths of its lower portion with the rectum, and its upper 



52 Woman and Health. 

fourth is in contact with the peritoneum. The lower portion 
of the bladder and urethra are in front of it. It is only partially 
closed below, by a small sphincter-like muscle. It is lined by 
a mucous membrane, arranged into transverse folds, which are 
most numerous in the lower portion of the vagina. Just at the 
upper edge of the orifice of the vagina is the orifice of the urethra. 

Physiology of the Uterine System. 

Doctor : We must tarry awhile here, that we may appre- 
ciate the deviations from physiological rectitude which are to 
meet our search into the pathology of this marvelous portion 
of our organism. Perhaps no subjects which have claimed the 
attention of philosophers and scientists ever received more 
profound study or deeper interest than those which involve the 
physiological phenomena of the uterine system, and yet many 
problems remain unsolved. This does not much affect the 
practically important questions of menstruation, conception, 
pregnancy, and parturition, so far as the preservation of health 
or treatment of disease is concerned. Enough has been learned 
through the investigations of physiologists, and added experi- 
ence of gynaecologists and medical hygienists, to carry woman 
up to an ideal standard of physical perfection. With that she 
ought to be content to let philosophers and theorists wrangle, 
if they like. 

What is menstruation f Woman's peculiarity of structure, 
with certain organs and their functions, distinguishes her from 
man. Speaking of functions here, we have three peculiar to 
our sex, and will you name them ? 

Julia: The functions of menstruation, of bearing children, 
and of providing aliment for them in the mammary glands. 
These differ from each other very manifestly, but they are 
most intimately allied to each other, the one not being possi- 
ble, generally, without the existence of the other two. 

Viola: I have a list of names by which this menstrual 
function is designated, and, though not by any means exhaus- 
tive, will read it to you. Menstruation, courses, periods, visitor, 
terms, monthlies, catamenia, flow, time, spell, Aunt Nancy, and 
ever so many more. At what age is this function usually 
established ? 



Uterine Physiology. 53 

Doctor : Perhaps from twelve to sixteen ; climate and 
other influences have so much to do with its inception that 
rather wide latitude must be allowed for its appearance. It 
has a close connection with the power of reproduction, yet at 
the earlier menstrual periods we know the pelvis is not suffi- 
ciently confirmed in the union of its different parts to render 
conception, gestation, and labor less than ruinous to the pros- 
pects of the girl for long life. This is a matter which ought to 
be known and acted upon in reference to the fatal custom of 
marrying early. 

As to the cause of menstruation, there has been continual 
inquiry among the learned for twenty-five hundred years, says 
Dr. Meigs, and to show what notions have prevailed, you may 
read his quotation from Thomas Rainald's " Woman's Booke, 
or the Byrth of Mankinde." 

Julia : " The cause and reason why nature created this 
perpetual course of termes in woman is this : forasmuche as 
Almyghtie God had so institute that women should be con- 
ceaved, efformed, or fassyoned, augmented, nouryshed, and 
brought to perfection. This could not be done unlesse there 
were a commodious and convenient place to this office assigned 
and destinate, whereof nature created the wombe or matrix to 
be the sayde receptacle and house of office, wherein she 
mought, at her leasure, worke her devine feates about the 
seede once conceaved. Agayne, it is not inough the seede to 
be placed, unlesse also it have foode and nouryshment, to the 
increase and augmentation of the same, wherefore prudent 
Lady Nature full wisely hath provided that there should be 
always prest, and redy a continuall course and resort of bloud 
in the vaines of the matrix, as a very naturall course, spryng, 
fountayne, or well, evermore redy to arouse, water, and nourishe 
the feature so sone as it shall be conceaved; yea, although the 
woman do never conceave, other because she accompanieth 
not with man, other els for some other infirmitie ; yet is there 
no faulte in nature, who hath prepared a place and foode to be 
at all tymes in redynesse." 

Doctor: This was the explanation which was satisfactory in 
the time of Queen Elizabeth, but more accurate knowledge 



54 Woman and Health. 

proves that the menstrual fluid is not to be regarded as the ap- 
pointed aliment of the fetus in utero. 

Menstruation is not necessarily connected with any sanguineous 
evacuation whatever, says Dr. Troll, with numbers of other emi- 
nent investigators. It really comprehends all the phenomena 
of ovulation. Women develop and discharge a ripe ovule about 
once in twenty-eight days. I have made very close observa- 
tion and study of this subject, and am willing to accept the idea 
that each woman is probably " a law unto herself," as to the 
time of ovulation, such various examples are presented of de- 
viation from the average. 

Superstitious Dread of Impending Disaster 

to health and life leads women to apply for medical treatment 
when there is nothing to cure — except their false notions — and 
they are about the toughest cases in the world. I think I have 
done more ineffectual work in trying to dispel the illusions of 
some women, regarding their menses, than in anything where 
failure met my efforts. My dear women, lay aside notion and 
prejudice, and allow yourselves to be controlled by the truth of 
the subject. 

Viola: I understand your interpretation of this function to 
be this: That the menstrual fluid of women is blood. Madame 
Boivin says: "The blood of the menses is just like that which 
is taken away from a vein." That what they call their " courses " 
is a monthly repeated uterine hemorrhage. That this hemorrhage 
is the sign that the womb shares the engorgement of the ova- 
ries, which attends the last days of the maturing process of the 
ovules, as is well known. Menstruation, then, is simply ovula- 
tion, and the flow of blood, which is thought to be the main 
point, is only the outward mark, or symptom, of ovarian ovida- 
tion. 

Doctor: Right. Learn it by heart, and teach your neigh- 
bors. One who knows the anatomical structure of the womb — 
its very delicate network of blood-vessels — has no difficulty 
in perceiving how any considerable engorgement of those ves- 
sels would result in their bursting, and thus the monthly 
engorged womb get relief, through the discharge of its surplus- 
age of blood. One author says: " It is hardly too much to say 



Uterine Physiology. 55 

that the tenuity of these coats is so great as scarcely to exceed 
the thickness and strength of a soap-bubble." The experience 
of most women confirms this doctrine of uterine engorgement, 
in the sense of fullness, weight, dragging down, even of pain and 
tension, which attends menstruation. I know there is a doctrine 
to the effect that this discharge is " a secretion and not hemor- 
rhage. At the same time it cannot be denied that those dis- 
charges do contain a large proportion of blood, nor that they 
coagulate like blood when drawn from a vein. 1 ' 

"Can solids be secreted? Could not a woman as well 
secrete a watch or diamond, ring as one single blood-disk? 
Nothing can be secreted that is not fluid. A blood-disk is a 
solid, not a fluid. 

Julia: Is not the determination of nervous energy to the 
uterine system, attendant upon the act of ovulation, analogous 
to what takes place when the function of any other organ is per- 
formed? A periodic function would be more marked; of the 
stomach, — some call the unusual amount of blood found in it 
during the performance of its digestive function a congestion. 
When the blood leaves the stomach the blood finds its balance 
again? 

Doctor: Precisely. And while our views of the menstrual 
function are so widely different from those which obtained cen- 
turies ago, I think it is not certain that future light on physio- 
logical subjects will fail to establish something which looks 
very radical now, namely, the conviction that hemorrhage is 
not an essential attendant upon menstruation, but is rather a vice of 
the constitution contracted ages back, perhaps, and commu- 
nicated through inheritance, just as diseases are, or tenden- 
cies thereto. The most peculiar and unaccountable mental 
attitude is assumed by women towards this office, and it is one 
of wild emotion, in which reason has no voice. A woman 
must see a profuse " show," even if her body has not half blood 
enough to keep it in decent trim. Her pale, anaemic daughter 
must have the menses forced, by some means or another. Talk 
to such an one, reason, explain : you know what a " jumping 
Jack " is — a wooden monkey toy; at the end of the spine is a 
string which you pull, and set Jack's arms and legs and head in 
motion. I have seen plenty of living women jumping Jacks, 



56 Woman and Health. 

They would be quiet, reasonable, sensible, intelligent, lovely, 
until I pulled the string which set their notions on menstrua- 
tion to going. There was a general whirl then — all mixed 
up — no quiet until I let go the string. I hold on bravely 
sometimes, hoping to break it — and sometimes succeed, though 
as often fail. Numerous superstitious notions relative to 
the menses are still prevalent, even among the well educated. 
I have met with some that were quite equal to a passage found 
in Pliny : " But woman is the only menstrual animal, and there- 
fore the only one whose womb produces what is called a mole. 
A mole is an amorphous mass of inanimate flesh, which can 
neither be cut with the edge nor pierced with the point of a 
knife. There is, perhaps, nothing in the world more monstrous 
than the menstrual fluid. Wine turns sour in its presence ; 
seeds, when touched with it, lose their germinative faculty ; 
hedges die, and seeds planted in a garden where it falls are 
burned up in the ground. If a woman with the menses sits 
upon a tree its fruit fails. Mirrors lose their polish, knives 
their edge, and ivory its brightness by contact with it. Bees 
perish in their hives, and brass and iron are seized with sudden 
rust and acquire a horrid odor if touched with the fluid. A 
dog that tastes it goes mad, and his bite is mortal." 

Viola : We may well congratulate ourselves that a doctrine 
has been reached which lifts this important subject out of the 
region of conjecture, and preserves us from very serious mis- 
takes. Dr. Meigs says : " Heretofore physicians have looked 
upon the bloody sign alone as the act ; hereafter they will be 
likely to look upon the discharge of the ovarian ovule as the 
physiological act of menstruation. This act may suffice to 
cause the woman to bleed mensually, or it may prove insuf- 
ficient to that end. It is, for the most part, a matter of 
indifference whether it does or does not cause the mensual 
hemorrhage ; the essential thing is to mature and deposit the 
ovule. There are circumstances of the menstruating girl or 
woman that are able to prevent her from bleeding, notwith- 
standing she may enjoy all the other faculties of perfect health." 

Doctor : The question must come up somewhere in our 
studies of menstruation, and it might as well be here, as to the 
time when the ovule leaves the ovarian bed. This is not known 



Uterine Physiology. 57 

exactly. Probably the egg escapes nearly at the time the 
womb begins to bleed. The uterus becomes relieved of its 
engorgement through the " flow," and the complete exit of the 
ovule is not accomplished until perhaps a day or two after, 
and it may be still later, from eight to twelve days, before it 
leaves the uterus. 



58 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER V. 
PELVIC DISORDERS. 

Doctor: It is to Dr. Geo. H. Taylor we are indebted for 
the development of principles and methods in Pelvic Pathology 
and Therapeutics opening for woman a door which has been 
securely barred, a door leading to hope, to certainty of relief 
from her cruel bondage to enfeeblement and pain. 

These methods are not untried, they have stood the test of 
experience. Ailments which defy the popular ways of medi- 
cal appliance, and shame the profession, do great credit to the 
practical demonstration of these principles, yielding readily 
and departing finally, not to return. Success is based upon the 

Co-operative Intelligence of the Patient. 

She is taught while being cured, and graduates capable of 
holding her position among the well and useful. " Old things 
are passed away, all things are become new." She emerges 
from her diseases, leaving them as wholly external, and no 
part of the life now entered upon. Previously, add the sum 
which way she would, the product was always deficient. Apply 
to this or that school of medicine, this or that practitioner, re- 
arrange the whole column of figures — add one way, add 
another way — something was always lacking. Health was not 
the product ; and will never be. An important factor is 
missing, which must be supplied, and which is found only in 
these principles. These are a part of medical science, and an 
invaluable addition to the resources of the art ; they have 
simply been overlooked and neglected. Following the line of 
investigation laid down in Dr. Taylor's " Diseases of Women," 
we come into possession of facts which have great bearing 
upon the practical uses drawn from our study. 

The anatomy and physiology of the pelvic organs lay the 
foundation for understanding their mechanical relations. Take 



Pelvic Disorders. 59 

the mechanical elements from physiology, and what would 
become of the functions ? How would the lungs play, blood 
circulate, etc.? Without mechanism there is no vital function 
or activity. Will you illustrate the influence of this mechanical 
force by showing the 

" Interplay of Chemical Force with Vitality ?" 

Viola: In life, vitality has complete control over chemistry; 
when vitality abandons the elements, chemistry has complete 
control over them. So, as the powers of life decline, as there 
is less vital force, chemistry or chemical force asserts itself. 
This gives birth to chemical remedies in medicine. They are 
designed to re-enforce the vital power. I suppose it is not in 
order here, but it seems strange that when chemical action has 
the ascendency, or is likely to get control, chemical agents are 
supposed to increase vital force. 

Julia: In regard to the force of gravitation, I see it as ever 
present in the system; and does gravitation, like chemistry, 
assert its power just in proportion as vitality declines ? 

Doctor: It certainly does. Chemistry influences the atoms 
of the body, and gravitation exerts its power over masses. 
This force of gravitation plays a prominent part in inducing 
disease, and can be made to yield great assistance in the resto- 
ration of health. It is obvious that in these mechanical relations 
of the pelvis, important facts are to be found, and the principles 
involved therein lead to remedial resources of quite a new 
order. 

Viola : "When it will be learned that these remedies are 
more direct, more appropriate, of more rapid and permanent 
effect, and useful alike in all the multifarious forms of pelvic 
disorder, resembling in this respect the air and food which are 
necessary alike for all — both patients and the profession will 
undoubtedly cordially welcome and adopt them." 

Doctor: While uterine pathology and therapeutics are a 
distinct branch of medical science, attention has been mainly 
directed to the palliation of effects, not the removal of causes; 
and, of course, the result was transient relief; symptoms abated 
for a time, and that is the extent of medical aid in these cases. 

It is frightful to contemplate the hosts of females, from 



60 Woman and Health. 

girlhood to old age, who are dependent on their physician for 
the treatment of these affections. Months and years of time 
consumed, when supposed cured, old symptoms recur, change 
of doctors, of remedies, resort to all sorts of remedies, the pa- 
tient is no better but rather worse at last. Nervous disorders 
increase in due proportion from the continuous suffering en- 
dured and repeated disappointments met in fruitless efforts for 
cure. 

Julia: In view of these facts, the highest service a phy- 
sician can render is to diffuse a knowledge of the causes of 
these diseases, for only in that way are they likely to be pre- 
vented. And who can estimate the amount of suffering es- 
caped? Is it true that the pelvic organs have a peculiar ten- 
dency to disease? 

Doctor: By no means. If it were, female animals would be 
liable to this form of disorder, which they are not. It is 
reserved for the human female to be its victim, though not 
necessarily. 

She has power to protect herself from the sufferings to 
which she is liable, liable only because she does not acquire the 
knowledge which may be obtained and used in such a way as 
to prevent these diseases. There is but this one way out of the 
dilemma in which woman is placed, and will she avail herself 
of the ready help offered? I believe she will, though it is no 
light task to lay aside notion, which needs only to be absorbed, 
no individual effort required, and take up a line of active inves- 
tigation and use of the reasoning faculties, bringing the results 
to bear upon the daily life. 

Let us now learn how chronic diseases of the pelvic viscera 
differ from other chronic diseases. 

Viola: They do not differ, except in location. There is no 

Intrinsic Peculiarity 

of these diseases and those arising from other sources. 

Doctor : Of what is all disease, wherever located, the expres- 
sion ? 

Julia : Of remedial action, consequent upon some impedi- 
ment to the complete expression of the vital power. The sys- 



Pelvic Disorders. 61 

tern, invaded by materials that are not usable, gives local 
expression to their presence, and this is local disorder. 

Doctor : Does the manifestation of disease ever exist unsup- 
ported? Are not symptoms the utterances of a something 
which we should seek to ascertain and remove? I answer to 
the first, no; to the second, yes. And another thing to con- 
sider, is, that disease progresses. Not only in degree, but in its 
forms. So from the same beginning, very different characters 
are developed, but that does not indicate as many varieties of 
treatment for their removal. Treatment of uterine affections 
by physicians, each looking at some local character, rather 
than taking a general view of the condition, circumscribes the 
inquiry of each to his particular observation; and is liable, in 
fact does, limit remedial means to locality, ignoring causes, of 
which this is but a local expression. There is, in the organism, 
a circuit of mutually dependent processes. Let us commence their 
examination, in order thoroughly to understand the beginning 
of disease. Where will you begin? 

Viola : Where " inanimate matter becomes living substance, 
the instrument of bodily force." 

Doctor: What are the necessary conditions; how may bodily 
force be sustained ? 

Jidia : By the presence of suitable material brought by 
capillary blood-vessels. The materials vitality always employs 
are brought by these vessels, and those it rejects, disposed of. 

Doctor: These blood-vessels, then, are responsible for vital con- 
ditions. Motion of the fluids, bearing substance capable of sup- 
plying organized structures with nutritive and removing waste 
matters, is a paramount use. Through what age?tcy do these organ- 
ized structures — muscle and nerve — express their functional 
power ? 

Viola: Through the agency of oxygen, which arrives, 
through these same blood-vessels, wherever a part is brought 
into use. 

Doctor: Imperfect and perverted nutrition, then, would mean 
much the same thing as disease. 

In the one case, where the supply of nutrition is less than 
the local needs — imperfect nutrition, it is plain enough that 
the deficiency of power and function in any locality is rather a 



62 Woman and Health. 

general than local disease, because it is upon this general lack 
of nutritive supply the local symptoms are sustained. Here the 
nutritive capacity of the system at large must be increased. 
Move oxygen — more breathing. 

More Breathing; More Food. 

The blood becomes enriched, and the pelvic region shares 
the functional tone of the whole system. No class of physicians 
ever depreciates the value of exercise to correct these states; 
it is only that the means of rendering this agent available have 
not been apparent. 

In the other case, there is overfullness of the vessels in a 
part, and deficient motion of their contents. The sluggish mo- 
tion allows the contents of the vessels to be imperfectly 
changed. Oxygen is brought in contact with them too feebly, 
the product of the union of oxygen with the blood, carbonic 
acid, water and urea, is diminished, and there is a partial reten- 
tion of substance which has not become vitalized — changed, 
capable of serving the body. This condition is the chief of all 
we have to deal with in overcoming disease of the pelvic con- 
tents. You have learned how profusely the ovaries and uterus 
are supplied with blood through the network of arteries and 
veins which covers the sides and body of the uterus ; also, it 
is pretty clear what menstruation is, and its attendant hemor- 
rhage, and how in health the uterus returns to its normal con- 
dition as soon as the flow ceases; but in weakness of these parts 
the vessels cannot contract sufficiently, and so they retain an 
undue amount of blood. 

It is agreed by all schools to relieve the pelvic organs of this 
over-supply of blood. The means for doing this differ, and all 
overlook the almost perfect power for controlling the various 
causes of hyperemia. 

What are the definite, tangible causes of this hyperaemic 
state? 

Julia: "They are, primarily, debility, and consequent defi- 
cient action of certain muscles of the chest and abdomen, through 
which the rhythmical motions of respiration are communicated to the 
viscera; secondarily, the deficient support of the weighty and mo- 
bile parts superimposed upon the pelvis!' 



Pelvic Disorders. 63 

Doctor: Learn this by heart. What terms does our author 
use in speaking of affections of the womb and its appendages? 

Viola: Condition, Position, and Function. These do not de- 
note several distinct diseases, but the different ways that 
disease may be exhibited in the same individual and in the 
same parts. 

Morbid Conditions. 

Doctor : Congestion, Hyperemia. — What do these terms 
imply? 

Julia: Distention of the capillary vessels or any portion of 
the generative apparatus; simply retention of the circulating 
fluids in undue amount by the minutest vessels. It implies a 
diminished vitality, as shown by their imperfect contraction. 
The facility of the progress of the blood to these vessels 
remains unimpaired, but its progress through, as well as from 
them, is more or less impaired. 

Doctor : May the ovaries, uterus, vagma, and their lining and 
covering membranes, or any portion of either of these organs, suffer 
from congestion ? 

Viola : They may. Symptoms of various kinds will vary 
according as the sensory nerves are affected or as function 
is modified. Muscular power becomes implicated, also will 
power, as the congestion merges into other pathological forms. 
Congestion is always present in pelvic disease. 

Doctor: Chronic Inflammation : Is, there definable distinction 
between congestion and inflammation f 

Julia: These terms may designate the same condition, 
though used interchangeably. The difference is generally 
regarded as one of degree of development of the morbid action. 

Doctor: It is not practically necessary to be very precise 
in these distinctions, the important point being to know that 
the true remedial measures must aid the circulation of the. fluids 
through the obstructed point. 

Leucorrhcea. — ''Suppose the thinned and weakened walls 
of the capillaries, which permit the transudation of their fluid 
contents, are those of the lining membranes, the fluids thus 
escaping cannot be retained by the tissues, but must be con- 



64 Wow mi and Health. 

ducted off. The canal of the uterine neck, and the vagina, 
thus forms a channel for such fluids, which, perhaps modified 
by commixture and decomposition, constitutes the leucorrhceal 
discharges so common in these cases. The effect of such dis- 
charges is to drain off fluids, and thus to relieve the surcharged 
vessels of the affected region. It is at once the effect of, and 
relief for, congestion. This is the best circumstance that could 
occur under these conditions. The ordinary method of reme- 
dying congestion and inflammation of the parts referred to is 
to produce a leucorrhceal discharge by means of some local 
stimulant or irritant applied to the membrane, as near as pos- 
sible to the point where the congestion is most severe. 

"Ulceration of the lining membrane of the neck, and also of 
the mouth of the womb, not unfrequently occurs, but it is not 
so frequent or formidable a matter as is often thought. Its 
existence serves to palliate the over-congestion that would 
otherwise exist, but is in no sense to be regarded as a cause, or 
considered in itself an'evil." 

"A day seldom passes," says Dr. Meigs, "in which I do not 
make such examinations, and, as I make pretensions to be very 
careful and deliberate in such researches, and as I can see as 
well as another man, and being much experienced in such mat- 
ters, I must rely upon my own senses and my own enlarged 
experience to confirm me in the truth, that an ulcerated os is 
among the rarest of the diseases of women." 

But it is so unusual for a woman who has been under local 
treatment by doctors, to be told she has no need of topical 
appliances, but the more interior forces of the system are at 
fault, and their normal relations must be restored in order to 
effect a cure, so surprising is this to her, that she is liable to 
decide uncomplimentarily to the medical knowledge and judg- 
ment of such an adviser. 

It is a sorry fact that many women prefer to be confirmed 
in their own misconceptions rather than learn the truth of 
things ; and it is surely advantageous to their physicians in a 
pecuniary sense. 

Hypertrophy. 
" Should the surcharged vessels fail to be relieved of their 



Pelvic Disorders. 65 

accumulated fluids by removal in one of the modes described; 
and should the cause of congestion continue, the plastic ele- 
ments of the blood are apt to assume some low form of organ- 
ization, and thus become an addition to the amount of tissue, 
or at least of the substance of the affeeted organ or part. The 
size and weight of some portion of the womb, or its appendages, 
are thus increased. This effect more frequently occurs in a 
portion only of the organ, as the anterior or posterior portion 
of its neck, body, or fundus ; or even a more limited part of these 
divisions. The ovaries are subject to similar forms of affection 
— the vagina is protected by leucorrhoeal discharge from the 
results of hyperaemia. These forms of disease are almost 
infinitely varied by location. It is very seldom that the whole 
of the tissue of the organs, or the whole of its mucous mem- 
brane, is affected. Each variation of location will afford variety 
in the symptoms. A congestion or inflammation of the fundus 
will give rise to different symptoms from the same condition 
of the neck. The anterior and posterior portions of either the 
womb or the neck may also be separately affected. The lining 
membrane of the body or of the neck may be separately con- 
gested, or may afford distinct and characteristic secretion. 
All these different states depend, however, on the same or 
similar causes." 

Chronic Pelvic Cellulitis. 

This may be described as congestion rather than inflam- 
mation of the pelvic contents outside the uterus. This form of 
pelvic disease is manifestly dependent on the same causes as 
those affecting the whole or particular parts of the womb. 

Morbid Positions. — " Like most visceral organs, the uterus 
is quite mobile, and cannot be regarded as naturally occupying 
a fixed position. It only rises high in the abdomen when 
gravid, but at other times its location is quite dependent on the 
disposition of superior and surrounding organs. The limited 
size of the pelvic cavity and its lateral ligaments of course 
restrict its power of change within certain limits." Mal- 
positions of the womb are induced by the same causes that 
5 



Oft Woman and Health. 

tend in any way to weaken or produce congestion. They are, 
in general, prolapsus, a depression of the organ below its natural 
position in the pelvis. This may be of different degrees, but 
sufficient for our present purpose to distinguish the varieties of 
misplacement. Anteversion describes the bending of the womb 
forward ; retroversion, when it falls backward ; flexure, when the 
fundus and body bend in either direction, while the cervix 
remains in or near its normal axis. These conditions are 
merely effects, and point to causes which, in the light of facts 
presented, are removable. 

Morbid Function. — The conditions we have described in 
turn become causes. Morbid manifestations of function come 
under the general heads of obstructed, laborious, excessive, 
vicarious, and irregular mismenstruation, and chlorosis. Men- 
orrhagia is one of the most important forms in all its varieties. 
It is caused by the dilatation of its vessels, which occurs in 
consequence of hyperaemia, and, like the " House that Jack 
Built," the hyperaemia may be referred to lack of the motion 
which should secure the return or venous circulation ; this is 
caused by weight or pressure on the womb, obstructing the 
flow, or by a bending of the body, flexure, which would pro- 
duce a mechanical obstruction. 

Other deviations of function have the same chain of causes 
back of them; their successful treatment will be conducted on 
the same general principles, with such modifications as suit 
individual cases and temporary needs. Will you tell me in 
what such treatment should consist? Having carefully studied 
the day's lesson, you are now fully prepared to answer. 

Viola : In removing obstructions, weight, pressure, etc., 
and restoring the natural motions of all the pelvic region. 

Julia: That means a great deal ; — it affects our dressing, 
the first thing. 

Doctor : Yes, and probably every habit of the life ; for 
disease, you have learned, has its origin in perverted nutrition ; 
and truly curative measures must look to the leading of vital 
energies into their proper normal channels. And this involves 
something more than surface work. The ovaries are liable to a 
form of disease peculiar to their structure, and this is dropsy. 
But that is caused by congestion, because it would be hardly 



Pelvic Disorders. ft 7 

possible to find the venous circulation active in this disease, 
and hence, whatever would affect the other pelvic contents to 
the degree of inducing a hyperaemic state, must affect the 
ovaries ; and the true way to remove the watery fluids from the 
ovaries is to secure venous circulation. It can be in this, as in 
other dropsies, by urging forward the blood by means that do not 
tax the vital pow r er. 

Pelvic Congestion, Its Causes, and the Diseases to which 
It Gives Rise. 

Doctor: As I bind my wrist with this handkerchief, you 
readily see the result is congestion. The arterial blood is very 
little interfered with; the veins continue to receive blood, they 
become distended, and even the minutest capillaries are in- 
volved, distended, thinned, and weakened. Swelling occurs, 
because the contents of these capillaries have increased 
tendency to pass out into the surrounding tissues. In health 
this same tendency exists, this being the way interstitial 
nutrition is carried on, but then the amount is regulated by 
demand of the act of tissue-change. Chemical changes are 
imperfect in this morbid, mechanical, and vital condition, and 
finally result in inflammation and pain. It matters not whether 
this cause is designed or unintentional, or where it operates, 
the effects continue as long as the cause exists. Suppose an 
obstructed condition like this occurs in the pelvis, or trunk, 
will we be satisfied merely to palliate the effects? This ligature 
in effect may be produced by any pressure upon the blood-ves- 
sels. There are two causes which are capable of delaying the 
circulation in the pelvic vessels. Will you name them? 

Viola : One is the inability of the venous vessels to move 
forward their contents. The other cause of pelvic congestion, 
also displacements, is the weight of the abdominal contents 
overlying and pressing upon the pelvic viscera, producing 
mechanical obstruction. 

Effects Caused by Position. 

Doctor : The human female is erect ; all other animals sup- 
port the trunk parallel with the horizon. In weakness of the 
abdominal walls it is readily seen what would be the effect. 



68 Woman and Health. 

The contents of the abdomen gravitate towards the abdominal 
walls, or towards the pelvis, just as the trunk is placed. 

The pelvic cavity being continuous with the abdominal, the 
contents of the abdomen readily obey the law of gravitation. 
Tell me, what furnishes support to these contents? 

Julia : The pelvic bones and the abdominal walls. But they 
do not prevent the effect of gravitation tipon its contents. Hence the 
pelvic organs are subjected to the pressure of all the abdominal 
organs above them, and must furnish some degree of support 
to them. 

Doctor : The horizontal position reverses this effect. The 
abdomen hangs from the domain; its axis is horizontal, and 
actually lower than that of the pelvis. Gravitation then drags 
the contents of the pelvis forward and downward fro7n the 
pelvis to the abdomen. What would be the effect of this position? 

Viola : It would remove the weight which otherwise would 
fall upon the pelvis, remove obstruction which the abdominal 
organs may have caused in the pelvic viscera, and also make 
some degree of traction upon the pelvic organs. 

Julia : I understand now why it is such a relief to weak 
people to assume this position. I should think to lie with the 
abdomen downward would be the very best position, as that 
draws from the pelvis somewhat. But all women do not recog- 
nize the effects of gravitation as above described. 

Doctor: Nor should they. The vital mechanism of the 
body effectually opposes gravitation, just as vitality controls 
chemistry within the vital domain. It is an undoubted power, and 
has good or ill effects, according as it is directed. And this is 
no new thought. How many physicians send their patients to 
bed on account of uterine derangement, — perhaps not recog- 
nizing that the same means which produced the mischief stood 
ready to help in its removal. Please read this quotation from 
Dr. Brown-Sequard, recommending the employment of position 
as an important element in the treatment of chronic inflamma- 
tion of the spinal cord. 

Julia: "Whether at night or in day-time, if he lies down, 
he ought to place himself on the right or left side, and if he 
can, he should even lie flat on the abdomen, so as to diminish by 
the effect of gravitatio?i the amount of blood in the spinal cord. 



Pelvic Disorders. 69 

Every physician who has, in this respect, adopted the above 
suggestion, especially if he has tried it in the absence of other 
remedies, can testify to the remedial effect of the position 
described in the particular class of cases referred to." If the 
muscles have full power to contract, does gravitation have ill 
effects upon the pelvic contents? 

Doctor: No; it is in proportion as vital power is on the 
wane there is weakness, — that gravitation gets the ascendency. 
If you would prevent congestion of the pelvic contents, strengthen 
the muscles of respiration. And why? Let us learn the differ- 
ence between the effect of a ligature that is quickly removed 
and of one that is allowed to remain. The effect of the first 
is to urge the vessels to more vigorous action, and rather invig- 
orates, like exercise. Now, this is just what the perpetual 

Oscillations of Pressure, 

caused by respiration, do for the pelvic viscera. 

It is easily ascertained that the motion of an animal's 
breathing is greatest nearest the hips, and the expansion and 
contraction of the body at this region is more than at any other 
point; the walls of the abdomen and the diaphragm partici- 
pate equally in the motion. 

What is the effect of this oscillating motion of breathing upon 
the abdominal contents ? 

Viola: There is constant change in the degree of force pro- 
duced by gravitation; as the abdomen and pelvis are continuous, 
this effect reaches the pelvic organs, to maintain the tonicity of 
their capillaries, to stimulate the return of their blood to the 
chest, and to secure constant renewal of vital force in these 
organs. 

Doctor: It is not only the circulatory vessels that are influ- 
enced by this respiratory motion. It is on the mass of pelvic 
viscera it contributes sustaining power, aiding to help these 
organs in their normal position. Here is suggested the means 
of cure for those unfortunate victims of pelvic disease. 



70 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE DERANGEMENTS OF MENSTRUATION. 

Doctor : In their various forms, the derangements of men- 
struation should be looked upon not as primary affections, but 
rather as symptomatic of some constitutional disorder, or local 
displacement. From this outlook we are prepared to enter 
upon our studies in uterine pathology without danger of wander- 
ing into uncertain and unreliable hypotheses. The menstrual 
function may not be performed, and this deficiency of menstrual 
action is called Amenorrhcea. We will not try to include every 
variety, for that is unnecessary ; enough to know the main 
divisions. The menses may never have appeared, and if no 
morbid condition is attendant upon absent menstruation, there 
is not cause for alarm or medical endeavor. The cause may 
arise from congenital malformation. The ovaries may not be 
formed. Churchill says of the influence of the ovaries upon the 
menstrual flow, that " It is now believed that, not only are they 
concerned in the process of generation, but that they are the 
efficient cause of menstruation. We know that very consider- 
able change takes place in them, as well as in the uterus, at 
puberty and at the cessation of menstruation." But the ova- 
ries may be developed, and some organic deficiency of the 
uterus give rise to amenorrhoea. Where the uterus is absent 
altogether, the development and health of the body may be 
unaffected; but where the uterus is incompletely developed, or 
the canal through the cervix, the os uteri, and vagina is in any 
way obstructed, the secretion may take place, but not being 
allowed to make its exit, the uterus becomes distended and the 
health of the patient suffers very much. Paleness, loss of 
appetite and of flesh, nervous, weak, great pain in back and 
abdomen, with tenderness throughout that region, increased 
from month to month as the effort at menstruation adds to the 
endeavor to force down the retained fluid. 



The Derangements of Menstruation. 71 

Viola: One can readily judge, then, whether the cause is 
one of absence of the ovaries or uterus, or of obstruction, by 
the different effects upon general health. And the treatment 
in the first case would plainly be entirely let-alone-treatment. 
In the other, a physician must certainly be called. 

Doctor: Sometimes when the menses are tardy in appear- 
ing, of the various causes which may be operative, none are 
approachable by any means which would look only to the local 
trouble, and not to the state of health throughout the system. 

Great harm is done young girls, especially by their too 
anxious but uninformed mothers, when what Churchill calls 
"protracted puberty" is put under severe medical surveillance. 
Even if the subject has constitutional suffering, attention to 
the general health alone is due, for it is the only availing 
resource in the case. Far better observe all the hygienic rules 
of living, and then let the matter rest so far as any worry or ill- 
advised efforts are concerned. 

If the attempt at menstruation is made each month, accom- 
panied with chilliness, pain in the head, back and loins, a sense 
of weight in the abdomen, nausea, rush of blood to the head, 
palpitation of the heart, mental depression and irritability, 
etc., a little treatment may be taken at the time, simply to 
afford relief, not looking to the appearance of the menstrual, 
show. Be well assured it makes no difference whether that 
follows or not. Do not watch or long for it. A hot foot-bath 
of five minutes, fomenter applied to the abdomen, drinking 
freely of hot water, and rest in a warm bed with very little food 
indeed, will meet the periodical requirements for alleviation; 
while firm adherence to a course of living which benefits the 
whole system will effect cure in good time. 

There seems to be no inconsequences attending suppressed 
menstruation in many cases; but meddlesome interference is 
responsible for the symptoms of ill-health which come on as 
attempts to force the appearance of the menses are persevered 
in. Cases are numerous where young girls were drenched 
with emenagogues, tonics, etc., and brought into confirmed 
invalidism, not by the malady sought to be cured, but by the 
remedies applied. This is proved by the fact that full recovery 
followed when the measures resorted to were discontinued and 



72 Woman and Health. 

Simple, Natural Means, 

looking to the welfare of the whole organism, employed. No 
especial attention should be paid to the passing over a 
"period" when the general health is uninfluenced. 

Julia: This»is all so new to me, and yet solves a problem 
in my own experience. When at boarding-school, at the age 
of fourteen, I became the subject of amenorrhcea, and inform- 
ing my mother by letter, was at once, by her request, placed 
under the care of a physician. From that time I took medi- 
cines daily and thrice daily. At the return of each menstrual 
period unusual doses of remarkable remedies were administered, 
and with no good effect. My health, at first excellent, began 
to fail; when menstruation was next performed it was attended 
with great pain, and during the three years of my stay at this 
school I passed through a progressive decline, until it was 
decided I must forego the delight of numbering myself among 
the graduates, and took up the wretched pursuit after health. 
I went home. For months at a time no menstrual show 
appeared; then it came on with severe pain, and at last I had 
spasms at each period. My sufferings were indescribable. 

I have hoped between times that I might die before the 
next period occurred, as death was to be coveted rather than 
life, attended with the agony which I knew was before me. 
At last I resolved to throw away my daily tonics, iron, emena- 
gogues, and let nature take her course. I went to the country, 
rode on horse-back daily, all the spring, summer, and even 
through the autumn months until the weather became quite 
cold. Lived out of doors, worked in the garden, picked fruit, 
and ate it too, and improvement was dated from the very first 
week of my stay there. I had no more trouble with the ail- 
ments which had caused me such pain. But until now it 
never occurred to me that, all the three years at school and the 
year following, when at home I faithfully dosed myself with 
medicines, and discouraged my physicians because I grew 
worse and worse, do the best they could to prevent such a state 
of things, those efforts were made in the wrong direction; the 
methods only perpetuated my disorder. 



The Derangements of Menstruation. 73 

Viola : Had you known the true doctrine of menstruation, 
as we are now taught, that ovulation is true menstruation, not 
necessarily accompanied with " show," all the suffering of 
those months would have been prevented. It was correct 
enough that your system should withhold the usual accompani- 
ment to that function, when the blood was needed elsewhere 
to sustain the action of the brain in study, for instance. 
Doctor, will you please make this clear to us? I remember 
something about a theory connected with the circulation of the 
blood. 

Doctor : I think it is this to which you refer. Whenever 
there is tissue broken down through exercise or use of a part, 
blood flows to that part, conveying nutrient material from 
which the tissues may be replenished. Hence, the supply to 
any locality is proportioned to its use of material sent there. 
For instance, muscles that are used are better nourished and 
grow stronger than unused muscles. There is more blood in 
them. Now, the functional acts of the body are attended with 
a degree of congestion in the parts involved in the act. The 
stomach, in performing digestion, is a common example. 

We have seen that the periodical function of ovulation is 
eminently 

Attended with Congestion, 

and in this the uterine vessels sympathize. 

If, as the time for the performance of this function arrives, 
the brain has called for a large share of blood to sustain its 
activities, or if any other of the tissues demand large supplies 
for their use, it would follow that less would be spared to 
attend the process of ovulation, perhaps not so much as to 
admit of a surplus in the uterine vessels, so no blood escapes 
the capillaries, and the woman "sees nothing" and panic 
ensues. 

Viola : How marvelous ! And to think women know 
nothing of these simple facts. Why, it would save hundreds 
and hundreds from a life-time of suffering could this knowledge 
be spread throughout the land. I am willing to say that if one 
never did any service to womankind save this, of awakening 



74 Woman and Health. 

the understanding and arousing the reason to act where such 
important questions are involved, it would be a life-time well 
spent. 

If, to-day, the frightened women throughout this country 
alone could be induced to look calmly at these simple facts of 
their own physiology, there would be swept away so large a 
proportion of their sicknesses, which hang as a cloud betwixt 
them and the sun, that Millennium Day would surely be 
announced at once in all the glory of noontide. 

Doctor: That day is advancing by so much as each is able 
and willing to brush a " cobweb from the sky." 

But to return. Simple suppression of the menses, of itself, 
cannot be called abnormal. 

Dr. Huston, quoted by Dr. Churchill, says : " When amen- 
orrhea exists alone, without any other functional derangement, 
it demands no treatment, and should not be regarded as a 
disease. Many well-authenticated cases are on record which 
prove the truth of this remark. I know a maiden lady, who is 
now half a century old, who never menstruated more than once 
or twice a year, and has very rarely been sick. 

11 Many like cases have come under my own knowledge, and 
where there never was any catamenial flow, and those women 
bore children and were healthy." 

Further : ; ' When amenorrhcea exists in connection with 
other functional disturbances, it then claims our attention as an 
evidence of disease, but why should we regard it as the cause 
of those other disturbances, when, in reality, it may be only an 
effect or only a concomitant?" 

But it may occur suddenly, as from exposure to cold or 
damp or any enervating influence. Then it gives rise to acute 
inflammation with attendant symptoms — headache, thirst, 
aching of the back, abdomen, and sometimes oppression of the 
chest, and choking sensations, etc. 

This should be treated like any cold with local inflam- 
mation. Balance the circulation, apply warmth to the feet, hot 
foot-bath at first, compress over abdomen, and, if chilly, place 
fomenter over this; in fact, make the patient comfortable. 



The Derangements of Menstruation. 75 

Chronic Suppression 

df the menses sometimes follows an acute attack, and is at- 
tended with a general failure of the vital powers. Leucorrhcea 
is apt to become permanently established, and most positive 
remedial measures will be required to bring up the system from 
its low state. 

Irregular 

Menstruation occurs in a very large class of cases, and there 
is no need of becoming worried over the vain attempt to estab- 
lish regularity. 

The best of all to do, is to live right and let the function 
take care of itself. 

Vicarious Menstruation. 

In some cases of suppressed menstruation, where, of 
course, the monthly menstrual act is performed by the ovaries, 
but the uterus does not act its usual part in supplying the 
" flow," some other part of the system discharges the duty, 
and this is Vicarious Menstruation. 

This follows neither law nor order. It comes on whenever 
it pleases, takes place from the lungs, stomach, bladder, nos- 
trils, and other parts of the body. The first hemorrhage is 
liable to be the only one, but it may also occur for months, or 
even years. It is impossible to explain the cause of this extra- 
ordinary effect, nor can we tell why it is not followed by more 
serious consequences than those which result from mere loss 
of blood. 

There need be no fear entertained as to the liability of the 
organ or tissue which takes on this action being subject to dis- 
ease afterward, and all that can be done in these cases is to 
balance circulation and fortify generally against weakness in 
any part of the organism. 

Dysmenorrhcea. 

What does that mean? 

Viola: We poor victims of its tortuous grip know very 
well: it means painful menstruation. It is first cousin to neu- 
ralgia, and has the family characteristics. There is generally 



70 Wotnan and Health. 

a persistent feeling of cold from head to foot, the extremities 
refuse to be comforted with applied warmth. 

The head aches, sometimes before the " flow" appears, and 
again afterward. 

Indeed, all the symptoms vary in this way. And the pain 
sometimes streaks down the back and thighs, and to the lower 
abdomen. The pain is constant in some cases, again it comes 
in paroxysms, with intervals of rest. Bearing-down pain is 
very distressing. "Almost all women suffer so much pain and 
disturbance from menstruation, that we may almost venture to 
say that menstruation, like parturition, lies in debatable ground 
between physiology and pathology. Part of the pain of dys- 
menorrhcea is ovarian, and that which is uterine is often symp- 
tomatic of general disorder." 

Doctor: There is often a peculiar membrane formed in the 
uterus in some cases of dysmenorrhoea, resembling that which 
we see in croup. This is thrown off in shreds, and sometimes 
whole. In one case I found the patient, a young lady, suffer- 
ing from the most excruciating, tearing, bearing-down pains of 
labor; finally, a little sac was thrown off, and examining it 
closely, this was found to be the size and shape of the uterine 
cavity. The patient was relieved, but much exhausted from the 
severe pain. The case was afterward cured. 

There is a form of painful menstruation which is attended 
with more inflammatory symptoms, is more acute, comes on 
suddenly, with headache, restlessness, chill and fever, etc. 

Great pain in the back, intolerable aching of the limbs, 
weariness, light and sound unbearable; the skin is usually hot, 
but sometimes cold and clammy. 

There is nausea, and undue secretion of mucus, the mouth 
fills with it. Great distress in back of the neck and down the 
spine. 

Delirium frequently comes on for a short time. The false 
membrane may or may not be secreted and cast off in shreds, 
or whole, etc. 

In these cases there is always much congestion and engorge- 
ment of the uterus, and such is the sympathy between that 
organ and the mammary glands that pain and swelling often 
accompany this variety of dysmenorrhoea. 



The Derangements of Menstruation. 77 

The treatment in these cases must be very prompt. Very 
hot sitz and foot bath of ten minutes or more, then rub dry and 
cover up warmly in bed, with bottles of hot water to the back 
and feet, fomenter over the abdomen, drink hot water. 

Soon as the pain subsides somewhat take a full enema of 
hot water. 

If the pain does not subside in good time, repeat the hot 
bath. This is not usually necessary. Keep very warm and 
quiet, and do not eat a morsel of food until free from pain, and 
then only a small amount of hot, thin gruel at first. 

The cure for this comes through the same means as endow 
the organism generally with power to express health through- 
out the domain. 

Excessive Menstruation. 

Julia: I am interested to learn what this disorder of the 
menstrual function is, and have looked up the symptoms, find- 
ing a long train of them, indeed. " Exhaustion, languor, dis- 
like of exertion, weakness across the loins and hips, paleness, 
headache, etc. As the disease progresses all these symptoms 
are aggravated, and stomach and bowel derangements ensue." 

Doctor: Nor is this all. Great nervousness, melancholy, 
and all the train of symptoms which follow upon such derange- 
ment of health as is comprised in the one term anaemia, no 
matter how produced. 

The disease is rather passive than active, and consists in an 
unusual and excessive congestion of the uterine vessels at a 
period when the menstrual function is to be performed, and the 
profuse discharge is the result of this severe congestion and 
rupture of some of the blood-vessels which are distributed over 
the lining membrane of the womb. It is difficult to detect the 
cause, except attention is directed to the whole history of the 
patient's life. 

But this does not bear much upon the case practically. 
These are obstinate cases to relieve, and tedious to cure, yet 
are curable. 

Doctor: You have done well. As to treatment, it is not 
always easy to restrain the hemorrhage during the attack. 
Vaginal enemas of water so hot as to be almost unbearable, 



78 Woman and Health. 

taken once in three hours at first and later, as the flooding is 
somewhat checked, once in four or five hours, and less, owing 
to the control gained over the hemorrhage. 

It is much to be preferred that the patient be situated so as 
to take this enema in a lying-down position, which can be done 
conveniently by using a bed-pan of rubber, inflated and placed 
on a folded blanket or whatever will allow the hips to be 
elevated. This pan has a tube which allows the water to pass 
out continuously into a vessel below, so any quantity of water 
may be used without overfilling the pan. 

I know of no means so efficacious in controlling hemorrhage. 
It will very rarely disappoint, and then not wholly. 

The bowels should be carefully attended to in these cases; 
move them by hot enema daily if necessary. The cool com- 
press may be applied to abdomen, cover with dry flannel. 

Feet must be kept warm. Quiet of both mind and body 
must be secured. Very little food is admissible. 

These cases are cured ; sometimes they yield almost unwill- 
ingly, but there are forces greatly in the ascendant over 
disease, and, in harmony with these, cure is perfected. 

Chlorosis. 

Viola: Chlorosis is a very severe form of disorder, we learn, 
and is eminently caused by bad nutrition, which induces this 
anaemial state of the blood. 

By some authors it is attributed to disease of the liver; 
others think it originates in a deficiency of the blood, in altered 
quality, and its vitiated condition. It occurs in males as well 
as females, but is more commonly found in the latter. Seden- 
tary habits, close confinement indoors, mental depression, etc., 
are very influential in its production. It is distinguished by 
the peculiar color which gives it its name, and the symptoms 
are by no means obscure. Headaches, dyspepsia with its train 
of aches and ails, nausea, and often severe vomiting, distress- 
ing nervousness, offset by greatly diminished sensibility, etc., 
are among its characteristic symptoms. 

Julia: But the case is curable; such are recorded in this 
case-book of yours, and it seems easy enough; for only remove 



The Derangements of Menstruation. 79 

causes, and effects will disappear. If I were to venture to 
prescribe, I would take up a line of treatment suited to dys- 
pepsia. 

Doctor: That is suitable; any one can do the same, espe- 
cially if informed of things you have been learning throughout 
these lessons. And now we will consider 

Menopause — Change of Life. 

If you understand the true theory of menstruation, it will 
not be difficult to learn what the cessation of this function 
means. To impress the cause of menstruation more fully upon 
your mind, you may read this from Dr. Thomas. 

Viola : " It is now an accepted fact with most physiologists, 
although still contested by some, that the periodical discharge 
of blood from the uterus, which is called menstruation, is 
merely a uterine symptom of the discharge of the ova from the 
ovary by rupture of a follicle. After the period of puberty has 
arrived, one or more of the follicles of each ovary burst every 
month by the following process : A congestion, or hyperaemia, 
occurring in the ovary for some reason beyond our compre- 
hension, causes an excessive secretion by the walls of the 
follicle, in which a miniature dropsy takes place. This goes on 
to rupture and escape of the liquor folliculi, blood, granular 
cells lining the ovaries, and the ovum. The nervous supply to 
both uterus and ovaries is excited by this, and one of the results 
of such excitement is contraction of the delicate middle layer 
of uterine fibers which surround the network of minute vessels 
enveloping and penetrating the uterine structures. This throws 
the vascular apparatus into a state of erection. Great engorge- 
ment occurs on the surface of the uterine mucous membrane, 
and probably on that lining the Fallopian tubes ; they rupture, 
and a flow of blood takes place. 

"These elements are concerned in that discharge: 1st, 
ovarian irritation, excited by ovulation and transmitted to the 
nerves governing the muscles constituting the middle coat of 
uterine fibers ; 2d, consequent rupture of the blood-vessels of 
the mucous membrane of the uterus and escape of blood." 

Doctor: Is it any wonder that the power of germ produc- 
tion, involving, as it does, the co-operation of a set of marvel. 



80 Woman and Health. 

ously endowed organs, and a series of functions equally won- 
derful, should, as it ceases activity in the menstruating and 
gestative life, and ascends to the realm of the heretofore un- 
known to experience, subject the uterine nerves and arteries, 
with their numerous sympathetic branches, to great alternations 
of state. During the past thirty or forty years the life-forces 
have been engaged in procuring elements which would sustain 
all their functions, and even allow of the- habitual monthly 
waste of blood, whether essential to the welfare of the system 
or not. Noiv, at the "change of life" there is either a loss, a 
shrinking and shriveling of body as well as soul, by so much 
as this " climax of life-force " means when it ceases, or the life 
of the subject takes on new vigor, a new start in life, and the 
coming years renew, rather than decline, the health and activi- 
ties of the whole illuminated being. 

It may, without surprise, occur that disturbances through- 
out the system arise, as the inflowing higher forces come to the 
unready soul and body, just as any inflowing force causes per- 
turbation in the natural as well as psychic realm, as even the 
rapid inflow of water into a jug causes gurgling, etc. 

And these perturbations are called disease, and are met with 
exhibitions of drugs ! 

Julia: Shall I enumerate symptoms? The books are so 
provided that one can "get a plenty." 

Doctor : It is not necessary. The one who is now at the 
approach to or within this charmed circle of influences, and is 
not prepared physically, mentally, and spiritually, will, on 
learning its true meaning, begin at once to make ready for the 
expanded life before her, not by swallowing drugs, or otherwise 
appealing to physical aids, but by opening every avenue of her 
being to the pervasive life which makes her one with all 
humankind, and a child of the Most High. 

Such a one will not be assassinated by the idea that she is 
exposed to evils which are necessary accompaniments of this 
period, but will rather welcome with joy every incident that 
hints of the fullness of spiritual perception, power, and com- 
pleteness which it is hers to attain. 



The Derangements of Menstruation. 81 

Displacements of the Uterus. 

Viola : Velpau says : " I declare, nevertheless, that the 
majority of the women treated for other affections of the 
uterus have only displacements, and I affirm that eighteen 
times out of twenty patients suffering from diseases of the 
womb, or some other part of this region, those for instance in 
whom they diagnose inflammation (engorgement), are affected 
by displacements." 

Doctor: You have learned that the uterus has great range 
of mobility, so great indeed that because it varies in position it 
need not be considered displaced; but when we consider the in- 
fluence which the condition of its supports has on its position, it is 
no wonder displacements are truly so common. What are the 
natural supports of the uterus? 

Julia: The ligaments, abdominal walls, and vagina. 

Doctor : We will notice the three general forms of dis- 
placement : Prolapsus, Anteversion, Retroversion. The first 
is a direct descent of the uterus below its normal position. 
The next, anteversion, is a bending forward of the body or 
fundus against the bladder, and in retroversion the uterus 
bends back against the rectum. The symptoms vary according 
to the form of displacement. 

Direct prolapsus gives a bearing-down, disabling pain and 
uneasiness, producing inability to stand and walk. Antever- 
sion would give, in addition to the symptoms of prolapsus, a 
feeling of pressure upon the bladder. Retroversion would be 
characterized by the pressure being felt more in the lower part 
of the back, also, the fecal discharges more or less interfered 
with. All the features of displacement are too well known by 
women to need the recital of their woes recorded here. 

Says Meigs : " The uterus, fallen so far out of its proper 
position, becomes a disturbing force to the economy. I have 
already told you again and again that the nervous system of 
the womb and reproductive organs allies itself intimately to 
the system of voluntary and ganglionic innervation of the 
economy ; and it is as easy to suppose that a woman should 
feel well and comfortable with a dislocated humerus as with a 
6 



82 Woman and Health. 

dislocated uterus, for I deem it perfectly true to say that a 
uterus fallen from its just level in the pelvis is a dislocated 
uterus — a term that expresses the idea of the case more com- 
pletely and more trenchantly than in softer terms, uterine 
deviations and uterine displacements." 

The plan of treatment may be easily selected from our les- 
son on Principles in Pelvic Therapeutics, but it will not be out 
of place here to say a word regarding the pessary, so commonly 
used. 

This instrument is intended to supply to the displaced 
uterus that support which the weak and flabby abdominal 
muscles, the relaxed ligaments, and prolapsed vaginal walls fail 
to yield. 

Introduced into the vagina, it may for a time give comfort, 
but often is from the first a source of pain and annoyance. At 
best, no part is brought up by this procedure to a state of 
self help and tone, but experience proves that the vaginal walls 
become more and more relaxed, requiring greater and greater 
size of the instrument, until the limit is reached, congestion is 
invited, as that is the natural mode of the tissues in ridding 
themselves of an offending foreign substance, and the patient 
finds herself no better, but worse. 

Julia : It seems that the pressure from above, the weight 
of clothing as well as its tightness, ought to suffice. 

If, in addition, the pessary is introduced, the poor uterus is 
between two opposing forces, and could the pressure upward 
be sustained any great length of time (which fortunately it 
cannot, for the vaginal walls are ever ready to give way and 
allow the uterus a chance to move somewhat), the condition of 
the uterus would be expressed in the very unpoetic terms, 
"flat as a pancake." 

Viola: Happily there are natural, true methods which 
afford certainty of relief from this painful deviation of the 
pelvic organs, and so every prolapsed, turned, depressed womb 
of the land may well "take heart," for it may be enabled to 
"rise again." 



Principles Available in Pelvic Therapeutics. 83 



CHAPTER VII. 

PRINCIPLES AVAILABLE IN PELVIC THERAPEUTICS. 

Doctor: What is ma?iifestly a leading purpose of the body? 

Viola: To evolve force — the force employed to overcome 
its own inertia and the resistance of external objects. The 
intelligence and will guide this latter purpose, and there also 
are modifications of force. 

Doctor: What is the measure of the health oj the body? 

Jidia: Its capacity completely to secure the above ends. 

Doctor: What do symptoms of disease appearing in the 
pelvic region denote? 

Viola: Defective nutrition and activity in the abdominal 
organs. To perfect the nutrition of these parts is to sustain the 
visceral weight, remove capillary obstructions, establish interstitial 
change, and enable the organs to return to their normal condition 
after the monthly menstrual congestion. 

Doctor: The remedy, then, that will increase the nutrition 
of the parts that are suffering from disease is the one that may 
be relied upon to secure a return to health. Do local remedies 
do this? and if not, why? 

Jidia: Only to a very limited extent. Because one part 
of the body is dependent on other parts and the general 
system, and no one part is independent of others or self-sus- 
tained, as the practice of local remedies implies. Parts of the 
body apparently in no way connected with other parts main- 
tain their vitality through connections with them. 

Doctor : Why can the recovery of disordered parts be secured 
only by invigorating and increasing the vital energy of the whole 
system? 

Viola : Because the body is a whole 

Interdependent Mechanism, 

not an aggregation of distinct individualities. And this 
makes the condition of bodily recovery, health, and power 



84 Woman and Health. 

inflexible, from which there can be no safe departure ; and this 
condition must be complied with, or there can be no certain or 
permanent cure of disorders that seem local, only because the 
connection of part with part, and the dependence of each organ 
upon the vigor and soundness of the entire system, is not 
observed by the unpracticed eye. 

Doctor : How may the aggregate poivers of the system be 
regarded? 

Jidia: As a reservoir of force capable of being called in 
any direction. In this view we contemplate, on the one hand, 
force needed, on the other, force supplied ; the equivalent forms 
of expression are disease, remedy. 

Doctor: How does Motion become remedial ? 
Viola: In two ways: one is by active motion, when the 
muscles are caused to act through the will ; the other is by 
passive motion, when a limited portion or region of the body is 
rendered physiologically active by external causes. 
Doctor: What is the special use of active movements? 
Julia: To give direction to the powers and resources of 
the system in such a way that the whole system is caused to 
contribute to and perfect the vital power of a limited portion. 
Doctor: What is the special use of passive movements ? 
Viola : To renew and refresh the circulation, and there- 
fore the nutrition, of any selected local point. To cause the 
blood to flow in increased amount from any designated part. 
To cause the blood to flow in increased amount toward a given 
part. To cause interstitial local absorption, and the reduction of 
dropsical and other swellings. To cause contraction of capil- 
laries previously distended. To secure relief from pain. To 
correct and perfect the products of waste passing from the 
body. To increase the use of oxygen by the system. To 
supersede other means for securing local depletion, counter- 
irritation, and revulsion. 

Doctor: In chronic diseases how may nutrition be increased? 
Julia: By increased use of oxygen by the system : the 
failure of the respiratory muscles, which always precedes and 
attends pelvic difficulties, implies deficient use of oxygen, and the 
consequent accumulation of insufficiently oxidized wasting 
products. 



Principles Available in Pelvic Therapeutics. 85 

Doctor: Where may the "far-reaching universal remedy" so 
long coveted for i?ivalid women be found ? 

Viola : In applied Motion, manual and mechanical, to 
which the term 

" Manual and Mechanical Massage " 

is now applied. As it is not irrelevant to our purpose, allow 
me to sum up the advantages of Mechanical Massage as 
given by Dr. Taylor in " Pelvic and Hernial Therapeutics." 

1. The mechanical pad is under the absolute control of the 
patient, however feeble. He adjusts himself to its action 
almost instinctively, and its action is therefore never otherwise 
than agreeable, for the least approach of undesirable sensations 
causes the patient to desist. The slightest change of his 
position changes the action, and therefore his feelings. 

2. The expenditure of energy in mechanical massage serves 
almost wholly to promote nutritive effects in the muscular 
masses ; the consequence of this is to counteract excessive 
nervous manifestations. This effect is secured by the com- 
pression of the pad, which therefore does not traverse the 
nerve endings in the skin, and does not incite nerve action and 
nerve nutrition. Mechanical massage, therefore, causes the 
muscular action and power to increase and the excitability of 
the nerves to diminish. 

3. The power of mechanical massage is practically un- 
limited ; the patient is never depressed by a sense of the 
fatigue of the assistant or operator, as is liable to be the case 
when the process is applied by a faithful assistant of limited 
power. The capacity of an ordinary invalid to receive com- 
municated energy is many fold that which any assistant can 
give, especially if the rapid and stimulating kind is attempted. 

4. The rate of motion the hand is capable of transmitting 
is comparatively limited, and can hardly practically reach two 
hundred changes of motion per minute ; and this rate, and 
indeed any rate, cannot be long continued. The usual rate of 
mechanical massage is between one thousand and one thousand 
five hundred per minute. It follows that therapeutic effects of 
a higher order, and practically most desirable, are connected 



SO Woman and Health. 

in the higher rates of motion communicated by the unlimited 
resources of mechanical massage. 

Some of them may be briefly enumerated : 

Heat. 

Mechanical massage develops heat in the tissues in liberal 
abundance in the most feeble and frigid invalid. The trans- 
formation of motor energy to heat energy among the vital 
tissues is independent of vital action, but is practically of 
greatest utility, for the tissues appear to acquire the power 
thereby of spontaneously producing the desired increase of 
heat. 

Defective Oxidation 

is a constant feature of chronic invalidism, especially those 
forms manifesting specially in the pelvis; the local symptoms 
are in part due to the presence of excess of sub-oxides in the 
system at large, finding in the pelvis "a local habitation and a 
name." The evidences of increase of oxidation and diminution 
of sub-oxides, which of course diminish the embarrassments of 
pelvic disease, consist in the increase of quantity and improved 
quality of the urine, increased transpiration, improved com- 
plexion, etc., which rapidly follow mechanical massage. 

Specific Relations to the Nerves. 

The power of manual massage to suspend local pain has 
been utilized from time immemorial in an empirical way. This 
effect of the hand does not approach that of mechanical mas- 
sage. There is nothing equivocal or dubious about this effect, 
and scarcely any respecting the scientific explanation of the 
fact. 

Doctor: Experience in the application of mechanical mas- 
sage to the cure of pelvic affections so triumphantly proves its 
value, that it is safe to predict for this medical agent a univer- 
sal welcome by woman, just as soon as she becomes self-in- 
structed, intelligent, and thoughtful in regard to remedial 
methods particularly adapted to her needs. I believe this 
medical factor is a direct gift to woman, from out the abundant 
store of blessings which come with this New Age. 



Principles Available in Pelvic Therapeutics. 87 

Effect of Twisting Motions of the Trunk. 

Doctor: The disadvantage of the upright position is having 
the abdominal weight above instead of below the pelvis. 

Animals are exempt from this, as though guarded by their 
lack of the capacity which belongs to human beings, upon 
whom rest greater responsibilities. But there is an advantage. 
The upright trunk can be twisted upon its axis ; a four-legged 
creature cannot do this. We will study this act. 

What part does the spine play in this twisting motion? 

Julia: It prevents any shortening effect. The ribs pre- 
vent the chest from being contracted by the same acts. Then 
the region of the abdomen is alone diminished in size by the 
motion; and the chief muscles called into action are those of 
the abdomen. The cavity of the chest remaining quite expanded, 
the pressure upon the abdominal contents forces them upward, 
as also the contents of the pelvis. 

Doctor: Now for practical inferences from what has been 
observed. I. " The abdomen should participate in the ordinary 
motions of respiration!' Whatever hinders is a wrong. 2. 
" The power and habit of twisting the body upon its axis should be 
carefully maintained!' This will be done unconsciously by the 
one who is actively employed — house work, garden work, climb- 
ing, walking, rowing, and many, many ways involve these 
motions. No woman can afford to neglect or ignore these two 
"inferences." Slowly and insidiously her health will be under- 
mined. This is mathematical, it is sure. Because these causes 
are unobserved and neglected, their aggregate power is not 
realized until diseases most difficult of cure are fastened upon 
the organism. 

In diagnosing a case of pelvic disease, I always ascertain 
the condition of these abdominal muscles, and it is painfully 
true that scarcely an exception is found to the rule of "abdo- 
men undisturbed by respiration!' These deficient motions must 
be restored if there is any hope of curing the case. 

What wonder there are so many uncured cases all about us. 
Effects may be ever so skillfully met, but the causes are still 
operative, and will remain so until by direct cultivation these 
natural, reciprocating motions are restored. 



8S Woman and Health. 

Julia: I find the books give other causes than those we 
have assigned as causes of pelvic disorders. Pregnancy, abor- 
tion, displacements, cold at the menstrual period, efforts to 
prevent conception, to produce abortion, etc. 

Doctor: Any more ? Let me ask why pregnancy should 
induce uterine disease any more than breathing should induce 
lung disease ? It is just as natural a function. If, as the his- 
tory of numbers of cases which I have treated testifies, uterine 
disease follows parturition, I decide it was there before or the 
causes existed independent of the pregnancy. " Displace- 
ments" — why, they are congestion — "concreted." Of course, 
they cause congestion, and congestion causes them. "Cold " — 
yes. Catarrhal inflammations are as liable to occur in the 
uterus, perhaps, as other localities, but not more so. "Abor- 
tion, — preventing conception." 

Julia: I rather wish this to be true. I would like to visit 
upon the one who would do such crimes just such a punish- 
ment until they cried out in sincere repentance — enough. 

Ordinary "Exercise:" Its Influence on the Health of 
the Pelvic Organs. 

Doctor: From what two causes do motions of the body 
and of its parts proceed? "One is the influence exercised by 
the will over the muscles; the other is spontaneous, proceeding 
from organic needs, independent of the volitions." 

We have seen that hyperemia of the pelvic organs is induced 
by deficiency of the motions originating in both these 
sources : therefore, supply motions adapted to the peculiari- 
ties afforded by these cases. But women thus afflicted do not 
like exercise; it makes them worse. This is because they do 
not take in its full scope. Walking, or a little light non-mus- 
cular work, is their idea of exercise. There are myriad forms 
of exercise, and it is capable of adaptations to the most inact- 
ive and sensitive, and it is a mistake to avoid exercise in 
general because certain kinds are not agreeable. Ill results 
come from lack of intelligent applications of this power, which 
is as potent to elevate as to depress, and as effective in direct- 
ing the vital support from as to any part of the organism. The 



Principles Available in Pelvic Therapeutics. 59 

circulation, nervous force, and nutritive materials are as easily 
directed away from as to a certain locality. What is the differ- 
ence between 

Exercise in Health and in Disease ? 

Viola: In health the equal exercise of all parts of the body 
produces an equilibrium of the different parts. In disease, the 
unequal exercise of selected parts is needful to attain the same 
end. Nutrition and supply follow absolutely and closely on demand, 
whatever direction this may take. 

Doctor: Then the maintenance of health becomes a ques- 
tion of maintaining the equipoise of the physiological system 
through the intelligence and will. The kinds of exercises that 
are competent to produce special results in chronic maladies 
are such as attract the blood and energy from the spinal cord, 
and such as secure the elevating and sustaining effects of the 
action of certain muscles. 

General exercises, those which secure action of the chest 
and walls of the abdomen, are useful, and in cases of local 
congestion the exercises must not be such as tend to converge 
the circulation in the pelvic region. If the transverse and 
oblique muscles of the abdomen and all the muscles of the chest 
are called into action, the removal of the weight of the abdom- 
inal contents from the pelvic viscera and the unobstructed 
circulation of the blood are assured : the oxidizing process 
so indispensable to the evolution of power and the removal of 
dead matter is secured to its full extent, and vigor and health 
are the natural consequences. If self-help is not possible, 
because of feebleness or other circumstances, the case may 
have the same results through prescribed and administered 
exercises. 

Instrumental Support of the Uterus. 

Doctor : The mechanical contrivances invented with design 
to sustain the uterus from below will need no special descrip- 
tion, for those who have experienced their effects are suffi- 
ciently informed of their mechanism; those who have not need 
not wish to know. There is at times a sense of relief expe- 



DO Woman and Health. 

rienced when the supporter is first applied. The sense of 
dragging is removed, the abdominal contents are held up, and 
breathing is consequently easier. But the motion derived 
from respiration, affecting the contents of the abdomen, is pre- 
vented. External mechanism securely holds up the abdominal 
contents, but the vital mechanism is allowed to drop into 
disuse. The vital mechanism should be maintained to the 
exclusion, in the main, of any method of repressing and dis- 
couraging vital action. The use of the instrument does the 
latter. The muscles, not called into action, must gradually 
become weak; and the victim of this treatment finds herself 
utterly dependent on this false support. It is often with the 
greatest difficulty a patient can be prevailed upon to abandon 
it for that reason. She is deceived in regard to its effects, and 
does not readily understand that by depriving the uterus of its 
natural support, it does not restore, but actually tends to dis- 
place that organ. 

Viola: The real support is the abdominal and respiratory 
muscles; if their nutrition is prevented and power diminished, 
by whatever means, it is injurious. It also follows that those 
oscillating motions of the contents of the pelvis and abdomen, 
so essential for maintaining circulation and preventing conges- 
tion of these parts, are prevented by the instrument. 

Doctor : The pessary is another instrument, but this is 
designed to be introduced into the vagina. This fails to give 
the intended support, and in fact gives none unless it is so 
adjusted as to be sustained by the pelvic bones. In case of 
the most complete adjustment, the uterus is elevated to a very 
moderate degree, much less than exists in health. Under- 
standing the condition for which this aid is applied, weakness 
of those parts which support the uterus and its appendages, 
and that the local affection is only a result of this primary 
condition, it follows that concealment and not cure of the disease 
attends upon the administration of instrumental support. 

Julia : Why, then, do invalid women so commonly resort 
to this, and with the sanction, even the advice, of their doctors? 
I think it must be that something must be done, and that quiets 
the demand of the patient for help. 



Principles Available in Pelvic Therapeutics. 91 

Doctor: It argues the limited resources of the physician. 
The ignoring of these facts, also : The pelvis is not an inclosed 
space; the lower boundary is practically left open by nature. 
Whatever support is available must come through the active 
muscular support already provided. The pessary is not only 
unnecessary, but a hinderance to recovery, for several reasons. 
If large enough to answer its intended purposes, it distends the 
vaginal walls extremely, and in time destroys the contractile 
power of these walls. I have seen numerous instances. It is 
a foreign body in the vagina, just as much as a splinter in 
your finger, and the final results are not different. Nature 
makes persistent and continued effort, in her own way, to rid 
herself of the intruder. Obstruction, congestion, ulceration 
follow. In case of the vagina, there is another loss. A secre- 
tion is established which becomes decomposed within its walls. 
Absorbed into the blood, it poisons that circulating fluid. Re- 
acting on the vaginal membrane, ulceration of any portion 
may follow. I have removed pessaries which were actually 
imbedded in ulcers. Then, the malposition of the womb is 
liable to be changed by the pessary into a worse one. You 
see, the pressure of the abdominal organs upon the uterus 
from above is not relieved by the pessary, and it supplies addi- 
tional pressure from below : what follows but a " doubling 
up" of the womb between the "world above and the world 
below"? Those cases of incurvation are vastly 

More Difficult of Cure 

than the primary difficulty. There is another effect which I 
am tempted to say is worse — that visited upon the nervous sys- 
tem. Nervous with uterine disease is always an existing com- 
plication, but the pessary so aggravates this condition that the 
general system is brought into alarming disorder ; the mind 
seems to apply its whole power upon the morbid sensations 
centered at that local point. 

Julia : And what wonder ? What, with backache, head- 
ache, spinal irritation, indigestion, languor, nervousness, de- 
pression, general uncomfortableness, can a woman do but — 
regret she was not born a man? 



02 Woman and Health. 

Doctor: I would give " no quarter" to mechanical sup- 
ports. They do nothing towards removing the cause of the 
difficulty, even were their temporary effects salutary. Res- 
toration of the natural support means cure. 

Local Examinations and Applications in Uterine Disease. 

Doctor : While those who participate in these studies do 
so with no reference to becoming practicing physicians, it 
would appear scarcely essential to discuss some matters which 
are wholly in the hands of the profession, were it not that 
every woman should have so much knowledge of them as will 
enable her to form an intelligent judgment, as they vitally con- 
cern her welfare, and have consequently an influence upon 
society in general. To begin : Why, in titerine disease, does the 
womb become the focus of thought, the center of the mind's attention? 

Viola: It matters not where pain is located, the powers of 
the mental faculties are liable to be subordinate to suffering, 
and nervous action is concentrated at its seat ; and if this is 
associated with some mystery, as in the case of the pelvic 
organs, an almost superstitious regard attaches to them ; the 
imagination aids in the difficulty ; thought as well as feeling 
are centered there, and relations of cause and effect become in 
her ideas quite inverted ; she believes the uterus the cause of 
all her troubles. 

Doctor : Through what channels are uterine diseases derived ? 

Julia: Through the same channels as uterine health, 
through the connection of the pelvic viscera with the whole 
general system. 

Doctor: Physicians too frequently countenance error in 
the opinions patients entertain of their ailments, by resorting 
to local applications ; fixing the idea that causes are to be 
found mainly in the pelvis instead of throughout the system. 
Again, local remedies obtain a place in uterine therapeutics 
because they are so much more easily administered; rather, the 
patient thinks much is being done, and is satisfied. Her phy- 
sician does not care to divide attention with other parts of the 
organism where causes reside, while effects are so easily medi- 
cated. The cause of disease is allowed to remain, while only 



Principles Available in Pelvic Therapeutics. 93 

its consequences receive attention. Do not consider my posi- 
tion in this matter so ultra as wholly to discard local treatment 
under all circumstances. I merely consider it as applying to 
only a portion of the actual conditions. Even if good, it is 

Not Sufficiently Far-reaching. 

It is not curative, but only a help to curative means. I do not 
use substances which have any great chemical power. These 
do not embody "curative efficacy;" milder measures are 
greatly to be preferred. What is the prominent purpose of these 
applications ? 

Viola: Local depletion : the most direct agencies are 
employed— scarification, leeches, caustics, etc. They are made 
to the vaginal walls, the mouth of the womb, cervical canal, and 
often to the lining of the cavity. 

Doctor: Caustic applications are applied only to remove 
disorganizing matter; they are not supposed to have a curative 
effect. By converting an ulcer into a fresh wound the healing 
tendencies are brought into activity. This is the very best 
view to be taken of their effects. There are materials far bet- 
ter adapted to this end. Better still,., prevent this morbid 
material from forming, and you have no need of even the best 
local remedy. All other expedients are temporary. Treatment 
which is based, as all treatment should be, 

On the Most Important Facts 

of pelvic pathology, which takes into practical account the 
causes of pelvic congestion, out of which all the various forms 
of uterine disease must proceed, brings the most gratifying 
results to both physician and patient : diseases readily disappear. 
And not those only which are in their incipient stage. Such 
cases rarely find their way to the adoption of these methods so 
directly; they suffer "many things of many physicians," until 
their conditions are the most difficult and trying ; and so these 
radically curative methods are observed to possess a potential- 
ity not elsewhere found. The very " best results may be attained 
without the use of topical medication of any kind whatever.'' 



94 Woman and Health. 

Julia : What is the effect of even simple applications re- 
peatedly made to the womb ? 

Doctor: They tend to produce a morbid state of the nerves 
of the whole pelvic region, and through these the whole 
nervous system. There is a great difference between cases 
treated mostly by local measures and similar ones without 
resort to these appliances. Pain and uncomfortable, even dis- 
tressing, symptoms are greatly in the ascendant, and often 
increase in spite of sedative applications made to the organs. 

The functions of the pelvic region have most profound 
sympathies — the generative system is a great center of nervous 
power; it is at least supposable that morbid impressions made 
on these nerves by topical applications should produce an 
effect not confined to the pelvic region, but radiated through- 
out the nervous system. This nerve disease, then, is added to 
that of other tissues, and it is a well-known fact that nerve- 
substance recovers much more slowly when injured, no matter 
in what way, than any other form of living tissue. The forms 
which nervous disease, thus induced, are most likely to assume 
are local and general neuralgia and perverted and extreme 
sensibility. The cerebro-spinal system becomes affected, 
emotional activity being irrepressible at times. Surely such 
consequences are sufficient to detract from the practice of 
making local applications. 

Viola: Especially, for the cure of disease which does not 
have its origin at the points appealed to. Does not the 

Power of Thought 

affect these cases? Forcibly directed by the senses to this 
locality, as is done by means of frequent local applications, 
this power must be perverted to the increase and perpetuation 
of the malady. Constant watching for sensations, no matter in 
what organ, does this. I can ruin my digestion very promptly 
by thinking about my food, whether it will agree with me, was 
of right quality or quantity, eaten rightly, etc. Does not the 
same principle apply to the uterus? 

Doctor: Assuredly; and there is another consequence of 
prolonged local treatment in pelvic disease, a real "speculum 



Principles Available in Pelvic Tlicrapeutics, 95 

mania." Truly, the subjects acquire a delight for the treat- 
ment. It is not only a possible habit. It is real. I have treated 
such cases, have been implored by them to make vaginal 
examinations ; they have sought to deceive me into gratifying 
their wishes, by affecting to be suffering some new phase of 
agony, which only the speculum would be likely to reveal. A 
patient thus afflicted, who had been bed-ridden seven years, 
and treated nearly every month of that time through the 
speculum, was informed by me that she must herself strive 
against this emotion; but when I refused afterwards to continue 
local treatment for the uterus, she feigned ovarian disease, sent 
for me to announce her discovery, and said, " Doctor, I suppose 
you will have to make an examination with the speculum." I 
gleefully referred her to a book on pelvic anatomy, that she 
might not fall so headlong into the next ditch she dug for me. 
But I never had from her any more importunities of the 
kind; she finally recovered. I have treated these cases, and 
wondered at the tardiness of recovery, when they afterward 
confessed to having gone to other physicians during the time 
for local treatment, as I would not administer it to them. 
One young girl, a victim to this local treatment for three years, 
begged me to treat her while under my care, and finally 
becoming angry, said, "If you will not give me local treatment 
I will use the speculum myself." The case-book of any physi- 
cian who has had long experience in pelvic diseases will afford 
abundant testimony to the existence of these morbid emotional 
states relative to this matter of local treatment. Of course, 
these are only frequent results of the abuse of it; but they show 
its possibilities in all cases. Here is something to the point, 
quoted by Dr. Taylor from a medical journal. Please read it. 

Julia: "Now let us come home and bring to judgment a 
sin in the family. Within the profession there is a species of 
quackery which is advertised not by the printing-press, but by 
the uterine speculum. There prevails very extensively among 
our women a singular disorder of which the most prominent 
symptom is a passion for uterine exploration. 

" To some extent, medical practitioners are responsible for 
the general prevalence of this malady. It is easy for sensitive 
females to persuade themselves that their afflictions, from the 



96 Woman and Health. 

toothache downward, are due to falling of the womb, or ulcer- 
ations, or tumors; and he is the sharpest doctor who first 
detects the difficulty. Here comes in the charlatan, to exag- 
gerate the disease, if there be any, and to beguile the patient 
with promises of cure. Henceforth the speculum becomes to 
the poor woman an essential part of the routine of life. Caustic, 
the knife, and various manipulations look like work; and she 
is charmed with the industrious and energetic attentions of the 
professional mechanic. By-and-by the bubble bursts, and for 
all the good that has been done by subjecting the uterus to a 
course of torture, its proprietor might as well have adopted 
the treatment accredited to that miracle of scientific skill, 
Li-potia, namely, the application of a blister to the crown of 
the head, to raise the fallen womb to its place. 

" It is to be hoped that the fashion of women to have recourse 
to local treatment has passed to its culmination, and with it the 
professional mania for persecuting that organ. The highest 
authorities have taken the back course, and condemn their own 
uterine surgery in some respects. 

"We may, therefore, indulge reasonable expectations that 
this form of treatment will henceforth be limited to its legiti- 
mate and restricted sphere." 

Another, from Dr. George T. Elliott, as reported in a New 
York medical journal : " He was profoundly convinced that one 
of the most important elements of success in solving the diffi- 
cult problem of the treatment of diseases of women consisted 
in securing such a mode of life as would compel muscular 
activity, and so equalize the circulation. In a large class of 
cases of anaemia and amenorrhcea, where the patient complained 
of weakness, wanting to keep in the house and loll on the sofa, 
he had more confidence in this physiological mode of treat- 
ment than in all others. If this were properly carried out, the 
local treatment now so much in vogue \ and ever-ready resort to the 
speculum, might commonly be dispensed with!' 

From Dr. T. Gaillard Thomas's " Diseases of Women " : 
" The fact is notorious that the local treatment of these dis- 
eases is not as successful in its results as w r e could wish. The 
treatment may extend over months, perhaps over years, before 
a cure is effected. Every one who has had experience in the 



Principles Available in Pelvic Therapeutics. 97 

treatment of these disorders must have been struck with sur- 
prise at the wonderful improvement exerted, on cases which 
have long resisted local means, by a sea voyage, a visit to a water- 
ing-place, a course of sea-bathing, or a few months passed in 
the country." 

Doctor : There is one more point which I hardly know how 
to name. It is the influence which vaginal examinations hold 
over the innate womanhood, especially when they are submitted 
to under the hands of a man physician. What I say is not 
fanciful. It is not self-seeking. There is bestowed upon 
woman a protective power, internal, occult, incomprehensible 
even to formulated thought, but a resident, guarding, guiding 
influence which forbids the entrance into its realm of aught 
but itself. It is sovereign there, and will be dethroned only by 
violence. Woman's experience tells her of this, even better 
than my words could had they the power of eloquence. 

I hold this to be the choicest jewel in girlhood and woman- 
hood. What is it? Tell me, what caused the torture of soul 
which you suffered, young girl, when your doctor proposed to 
institute a course of local uterine treatment. You said you 
would die rather than permit it. O deluded mother ! to insist 
on this sacrifice of your daughter's finest, most interior sensi- 
bilities, so fine they perceived the shadow of wrong, and shrank 
in horror from it. Medical man, you are not to blame; you 
will never truly know, for you cannot, the change wrought in 
that young girl's womanhood by the administration of your 
local remedies. But your patient knows, and it is to the high- 
est, the most sensitive, a sickening, revolting fact, that once 
this protective barrier between her and man broken down, once 
her sovereign dethroned, always broken, always an unoccupied 
throne. She will never again shrink from the advances of 
any man, as before, and repeated trials like this bring about a 
state of indifference, even to the extreme. I have listened to 
heart-rending stories told by girls and women whose expe- 
rience confirmed this position. 

During a course of lectures I was giving in Minneapolis, 

many years ago, a beautiful girl of my class seemed greatly 

affected when this subject came up. Next morning a carriage 

drove to the door, and she alighted, at once requesting to see 

7 



98 Woman and Health. 

me. I met her, not knowing who it was, as she wore a close 
veil, and, throwing her arms about my neck, she exclaimed : 

" Will it pain me, then, forever, 
Will it leave me happy, never, 
This weary, weary gnawing, and the old dull pain ?" 

My endeavors to soothe her and learn the character of her 
visit were soon rewarded by a history the outlines of which it 
seems useful to give here, as it is a type of numbers all over 
the world. She was an heiress; her mother became anxious 
about her health ; family physician was called, and thought 
she would do well enough to take a trip, or observe some 
simple hygienic measures at home. But that would not gratify 
the mother ; she knew something was wrong, worse than the 
doctor thought; consumption was in the family, that very 
moment it might be stealthily gaining hold on her. 

She was taken from school, menses suppressed, and the case 
was bad, indeed. She must have local treatment. 

At this suggestion the daughter revolted. The scene be- 
came almost tragic; finally, she was given until the next day 
to pray over the matter. She agonized, prayed, tried to make 
herself yield to what was supposed her duty. She loved her 
mother, would give her life for hers, but could she obey in this 
instance? The hour appointed for the physician came, she 
told him, told her mother to let her die if that were the alter- 
native. At last, believing she ought to obey, she allowed the first 
examination to be made. 

" From that moment," said she, "I was no longer M — B. 
I was changed. I felt towards men less of that shrinking, re- 
tiring delicacy. After the second and third treatment I cared 
nothing at all for the shame of it. My doctor wa3 our old 
physician, and very early desisted from the treatment, which 
was given in the first place only to gratify my mother, who 
probably would have employed another had he not complied. 
But I have suffered what no tongue can express. I hate myself. 
I have lost, I have lost something which I know will never be 
restored. Your lecture came home to me with such searching 
power, I want you to reach mothers and daughters; tell them 
about this dangerous evil. 



Principles Available in Pelvic Therapeutics. 99 

"When my fortune comes into my own hands, I shall devote 
it to rescuing others from the fate assigned me through 
ignorance." 

She called this a " dangerous evil," and very properly. Its 
effects are not obscure. The one who bears such an experience 
is ever more liable to be overcome by the wicked magnetic 
influence of some destroyer in masculine human shape. 
Woman, you alone are capable of meeting this foe with the 
sword of truth drawn from woman's experience. Will you 
enlighten your doctors? and will you decide against methods 
of medical treatment which bear such risks for you and yours? 
There will be no doubt of this when your reason and intelli- 
gence guide to reflection and inquiry as to the class of remedial 
measures you shall employ, for that which is the most simple, 
direct, and efficient will most naturally be preferred. 



100 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
MISCARRIAGE. 

Doctor: This subject is a most important one, and points 
of such practical value are involved, that we may fitly spend 
a short time this morning in looking up its causes and coming 
to some understanding of its perils and treatment. Life is 
frequently sacrificed through ignorance in the management of 
this " accident of pregnancy." A knowledge of some facts 
will save almost every, if not every, case. 

Viola: What is usually the cause of a fatal termination of 
miscarriage? 

Doctor : Profuse hemorrhage, which takes place before, 
during, or after the expulsion of the ovum, as a miscarriage is 
merely the expulsion of the ovum before it reaches full term, 
usually any time during the first six months of gestation. The 
causes are as various as the conditions which bear upon human 
life, producing results in abnormal irritability of the nervous 
system, defective circulation and nutrition, local weakness, 
disease of the uterus, failure of adjacent parts to hold the pelvic 
contents in place, weakened cervix, or irritable fundus of the 
uterus, together with general debility, etc. Whatever brings 
the system under the influence of diseased action causes ten- 
dency to miscarriage, induces premature effort of the uterus, 
and exhibits its effects according as the influence is direct or 
indirect upon the uterus and its contents. For instance, in- 
creased flow of blood toward the uterus may be invited, when 
hemorrhage will ensue. Pain may be induced, nervous pertur- 
bation, as from some forceful mental emotion, and hence 
contraction of the uterus and expulsion of its contents. De- 
tachment of the placenta, from whatever cause (it is marvelous, 
when we consider how slight the union between placenta and 
womb, that this does not oftener occur), will result in hemor- 
rhage and miscarriage. Weak abdominal muscles, congestion 



Miscarriage. 101 

and crowding of the pelvic contents, pressure from tight 
clothing, etc., induce this malady; for there is no power to 
resist the effects of casual sudden motions, stooping, lifting, 
climbing, running, riding over jolting roads, etc., some, if not 
all, of which are liable to come in the experience of the 
mother, and she should be able to meet them unharmed. 

Viola: I learn that, no matter what may be the cause of the 
miscarriage, expulsion of the ovum resembles that of the fetus 
in ordinary labor. The contractions of the uterus are the same. 
Pain and hemorrhage embrace the two leading symptoms. 

Doctor : Yes, these two phenomena are always, to a greater 
or less extent, present in cases of threatened miscarriage; but 
simply because a pregnant woman has pain is not a certainty 
that it is the pain of miscarriage. 

Contractions of the Uterus 

are never continuous, but always intermittent. This holds 
true whether the expulsion of the fetus at full term, or of the 
ovum at an earlier period, is concerned. The distinct interval 
marks the pain of labor, and without this knowledge pain 
resulting from indigestion, colic, or numerous other causes may 
be mistaken for specific action of the uterus. 

Viola: Is there ever sanguineous discharge from the vagina 
unaccompanied with threatened miscarriage? 

Doctor: Yes. Some women seem to menstruate regularly 
during the earlier months of pregnancy. In such case, the 
hemorrhage will likely accord with the time of menstruation 
previous to pregnancy, and is unconnected with any cause of 
miscarriage, as the patient is in good health as usual, and the 
flow is not profuse or prolonged, lasting but a few days. To 
one who is suffering from an attack of uterine hemorrhage 
during pregnancy, I would say, 

Be Calm, be Trustful, Fearless. 

Dispose at once of all alarm. Dispassionately, intelligently 
allow the nervous system to play its normal part, and however 
urgent the demand for speedy control over the conditions, hold 
to what you know to be true, do what is reasonable, and the 
chances are in your favor. 



102 Woman and Health. 

Viola: But how is such a case to be properly managed? 
For instance, if a woman supposes herself threatened with 
miscarriage, and it is discovered that her fears are not without 
foundation, what is first to be done? 

Doctor: Confine attention to one of two objects: preven- 
tion of the miscarriage, if possible; if this cannoi be done, 
then to facilitate the expulsion of the ovum. As to preven- 
tion. This can very often be done, even when appearances are 
most discouraging. Place the patient in a recumbent position, 
and enjoin absolute rest. Know that what you now do is look- 
ing towards prevention of expulsion of the ovum, and so you 
would not induce muscular contraction. Cloths wrung from 
hot water, placed over the upper part of the abdomen, no rub- 
bing of abdomen, feet warmed with hot bottles, plenty of bed 
covering, so as to admit of all the windows being opened, even 
in winter, the head on a level with the mattress, and if flooding 
is severe, tip up the bedstead by putting a brick or something 
else suitable under the foot-posts. If food is taken, it must 
be only a bit of dry toast and a little fruit; positively, this is 
a time for great abstemiousness. Remember, you are seeking 
to prevent contraction of the uterus. Any agent that tends to 
defeat this purpose is not admissible. Unused nutritive ma- 
terial will do this, by becoming a cause of irritation, hence the 
need of taking very little food; for only a small quantity can 
now be used, and the remainder would cause mischief. A hot, 
full injection to the bowels will be in place, as it is very quiet- 
ing to the nerves. One such clearing of the bowels each other 
day is sufficient. 

Very hot vaginal enemas, the patient being placed on a rub- 
ber bed-pan which is furnished with a tube for outlet of the wa- 
ter, are a marvelous agent for good in these cases. Where such 
pan is not to be procured, the ordinary one will do, but is less 
convenient. In all these measures uterine contraction is 
avoided. 

But if there is good reason for believing the ovum is de- 
tached, if hemorrhage is persistent and indications look to- 
wards expulsion, the tampon, which is merely bits of old linen 
introduced into the vagina until it is filled, may be resorted to. 



Miscarriage. 103 

This is held in place by a T bandage, which any one knows 
how to construct and adjust. 

Apply cold cloths to the abdomen, changing them fre- 
quently. Warmth to feet and hands. The tampon acts first 
to check the hemorrhage for the time being, and then the 
irritation it produces on the mouth of the uterus induces con- 
traction and so facilitates the purpose in view. 

Viola: In case a physician's services cannot be commanded, 
would it be safe for a nurse to claim the privilege of making an 
examination with reference to removal of the ovum? 

Doctor: If the nurse can do so intelligently. Let her place 
the patient on the right side of the bed, very near the edge. 

Standing at the right side, the nurse places her left hand 
over the abdomen, pushing gradually and firmly downward. 
With the feet of the patient drawn up close to the body, as she 
lies on her back, the nurse may introduce the inclex finger of 
her right hand so far up as to reach the mouth of the uterus, 
for it is held in place by the pressure made on the abdomen 
with the left hand. Gently insert the finger between the ovum 
and the wall of the cervical canal, and probably the whole pro- 
truding ovum may be commanded at once and removed. This 
puts a stop to further hemorrhage. But if it cannot be reached, 
use no forcible means. 

Wait, and Trust Nature. 

Put the patient in a diaper pack, and change this whenever it 
becomes heated and unpleasant. 

Use vaginal injections twice or thrice daily. Allow but 
little food. Clear the bowels as often as necessary. Keep 
down inflammation in this way, keep quiet and calm, mentally 
and bodily, and there is safety. The offensive odor and long 
confinement in bed are about the only inconvenience to be 
apprehended. In such cases the ovum is discharged in frag- 
ments. Examinations at first unsuccessful may be repeated, 
and often it occurs that at last the offending presence is reached 
and removed, which gives great satisfaction. 

Viola: Do not persons suffer repeated miscarriages, estab- 
lishing a habit which is difficult to overcome? 



104 Woman and Health, 

Doctor: Yes. Like causes are followed by like effects. 
To sum up the whole matter in a nutshell, where there is 
general debility, nervous excitability, irritability, or in fact any 
deviation from the normal standard of health, and miscarriage 
has been once induced, there is no safety for coming pregnan- 
cies so long as these causes exist. 

There is Certainty of Escape 

only in bringing the whole departments of physical, mental, 
and spiritual being up to their highest possibilities of health 
and harmony. 

Viola: Can any good be done in case the patient comes to 
you pregnant, with the "habit " already fastened upon her? 

Doctor: These are not desirable cases, but to the praise of 
hygienic treatment be it said, I have never known a case of 
miscarriage to occur under its administration. The indications 
are so promptly and so naturally met, lack of tone and balance 
overcome. 

Viola: I am surprised to find such a number of cases on 
your book. Here is one of a woman who had miscarried seven 
times, and never reached full term. She came under treatment 
for nervous prostration and dyspepsia; finding herself pregnant 
after about three months, she remained and was carried safely 
through, much to her delight. She even took mechanical 
massage up to within a few days of confinement. Gave birth to 
a fine, healthy child. 

Doctor: I remember that case. She was a Quakeress. Oh, 
so delicate! Two children have since come to her home, and 
never another miscarriage. Looking over .the case-book, you 
will find abundant evidence sustaining this position. For a 
woman to suffer repeated miscarriage is to die, not " by inches," 
but by yards. 

Let her train for health, get tone to muscle, strength and 
calmness to nerve, purity of blood, integrity of function 
throughout the vital domain, and then there will be no more 
death in the house of life, no dying in the mother's womb, the 
first earthly home of immortal spirits, men and women. 



Hygienic Appliances. 105 



CHAPTER IX.* 

HYGIENIC APPLIANCES. 

i. Wet-sheet Pack. — Spread two or three comfortables on 
a bed; over them a blanket; over that a cotton sheet; and now 
wring a sheet from cool, or warm, or hot water, and spread this 
over the whole. The patient, having removed the clothing, 
lies flat on the back, throws up the arms, and one-half the sheet 
is wrapped snugly around the body and lower limbs; placing 
the arms to the sides, the other half is now wrapped around 
the body and arms and lower limbs. Next comes the blanket 
and dry sheet, tucking closely first one side and then the other, 
next the comfortables. The head may now be raised en pil- 
lows; the feet, which seldom need be enveloped in the wet sheet, 
well wrapped, and a jug of hot water placed to them. 

A cool cloth placed to the forehead, also one folded over 
the pillow and the head allowed to rest on it, if there is 
fever; this can be done very conveniently by placing a piece 
of rubber cloth, or oil silk, on the pillow to protect it from 
damp. 

The time this process is to be continued must vary with cir- 
cumstances. As a general rule, the patient must warm up well, 
even if it is necessary to place bottles of hot water or warm 
bricks to the sides, in order to obtain this result. 

It is not well to reduce it to a sweating process; merely a 
comfortable temperature is all that need be desired. The pack 
may be followed by a general sponge or towel bath, or the 
patient may stand in a tub and a pail of warm or tepid water be 
thrown over the body, then wrapped in a dry sheet and well 
rubbed; or a warm spray may follow the pack. 

2. Half Pack. — This is the same as the full pack, except the 
sheet or cloth is allowed to extend only from the arm-pits to 
the hips, or nearly to the knee. I think this more useful 

* This Chapter is reprinted from the author's work, entitled " How to be Well." 



106 Worn mi and Health. 

than the full pack — rather, it can be applied more judiciously 
under home treatment; and, in fact, in outside practice, I found 
my patients did not entertain such frightful notions about this, 
and it was seldom objected to. 

3. Abdominal Bandage or Wet Girdle. — About three 
yards of soft, fine, but thick crash toweling makes a good one. 
Wring one-half of this from warm water, wrap it around the 
body and cover with the dry end; then have a flannel bandage, 
several folds, to pin snugly over this. 

4. Compress. — This is a local application — may be used 
whenever there is pain, or heat, or soreness — and should gen 
erally be well covered with dry flannel. 

The good effect is lessened, if not entirely lost, by neglect 
of this last precaution. I have been both amused and provoked 
at the strange thoughtlessness of people. Prescribe a compress, 
and behold! you find a small piece of wet rag, covered, if cov- 
ered at all, with a thin strip of flannel, entirely insufficient to 
answer the end intended. 

The hygienic processes get entirely too much censure 
because of the lack of thoroughness on the part of those who 
apply them. 

5. Diaper Compress. — Take half a linen or fine cotton 
sheet, wring dry from cool or tepid water ; fold diaper fashion, 
and apply the same ; cover with dry flannel. This is extremely 
useful in -all cases of uterine inflammation, or urethral conges- 
tion or inflammation, piles, etc. 

6. Fomentation. — The most convenient means of apply- 
ing hot fomentation is by using the rubber fomenting bag, or 
"hot-water bottle." Wring a small towel from hot water and 
apply over the part to be fomented; place the bag over this, 
having partly filled it with hot, but not boiling water, as this is 
injurious to the rubber. 

This bag will remain warm a great length of time ; there is 
no risk of having the clothing dampened, or other inconvenience 
which attends the usual way of fomenting thus. Dip the mid- 
dle of a large piece of flannel in boiling water, twist the dry 
ends till the water is well expelled, apply to the surface and 
cover with dry sheet. When this cools, renew it so long as the 
process is to be persisted in. This answers the same purpose, 



Hygienic Appliances. 107 

but is attended with some inconvenience. The rubber bottles 
are not expensive ; are durable if you buy the best article, and 
can be had in any of our large cities, at the rubber stores. I 
keep them for sale to my patients and others, as I would like 
to see them brought into extended use. 

7. Sitz-bath. — Any ordinary tub will answer the purpose, 
though the tub made for that purpose is more convenient. 

The water, cool, cold, warm, or hot, as the case may be, 
should be deep enough to come up over the abdomen and 
hips, usually, unless a shallow sitz is desired, when less water is 
used. 

If a sitz and foot bath, the feet are placed in a vessel of hot 
water from three to five minutes, then a glass of cold water 
thrown over them, well rubbed and wrapped in flannel during 
the remainder of the time the sitz-bath is prolonged. 

A blanket or warm wrap should always be thrown around 
the shoulders while taking this bath. 

8. Foot-bath. — " Soaking the feet" is one of the measures 
decidedly not admissible in hygienic practice. A foot-bath 
should be hot — as hot as can be borne, and of from two to 
three or five minutes' duration only. Cool water dashed over 
the feet on taking them out of the bath, and well rubbed. 

The hot and cold foot-bath is often serviceable in sprains of 
the foot or ankle, and other instances. The feet are placed in 
very hot water about two minutes, then dipped in cold water 
and again placed in hot, and so on. 

q. Saturday Bath. — This is for well folks and sick people 
too. Have a basin of hot water, a pail of tepid or warm water, 
a piece of good soap, a small towel and a sheet. A common 
washing-tub also will answer, and the room should, must be 
warm. Now dip the small towel in the basin of hot water, 
rub on soap until the towel is well saturated with it. The 
clothing removed, wrap a sheet around you — if you take your 
own bath ; expose one arm, rub it with the soapy towel, now 
the other, now the chest and abdomen, saw across the back ; 
dip the towel again in hot water, rub on more soap, rub the 
thighs and legs and feet. Now step into the tub, and, with 
dipper in one hand, pour water over the arms and shoulders, 
and, in fact, rinse the whole body. Wrap in the dry sheet, and 



108 Woman and Health. 

rub thoroughly dry. This is one of the finest baths in domestic 
availability. It is given to invalids in this way, and would be 
thus called the 

io. Soap and Towel Bath. — The patient in bed, have the 
wearing clothes removed; the water (hot), towel and basin, or 
two basins — one to wash, the other to rinse in. Take one 
arm, rub well with soapy towel, then with the bare hand 
manipulating and squeezing the arm gently ; now rinse in clean, 
warm water and rub briskly dry ; now take the other arm, and 
then the chest, back, thighs, etc., changing the water for clear, 
fresh water frequently. Then sponge the face and brush the 
hair, and the patient is gratefully in a state of tranquillity. 

In very weak persons only a part may be given at one time, 
and, after a few hours, proceed to finish. 

ii. Spray Bath. — This is given after the hot-air or vapor 
bath ; is simply a contrivance for rinsing the surface, and is 
very pleasant, as the water can be had at any temperature 
desired. I have it attached to my full baths — hot air, vapor, 
and electrical baths — as it is much liked by the majority of 
patients. 

12. Vapor and Hot-air Baths.— These are agents of great 
remedial value, but I cannot recommend them as a means to 
be used in home treatment. It is a mistake that the sweating 
process is a purifying one to any degree exceeding less ex- 
haustive measures. It is ascertained that the blood parts 
with its water in much larger proportion than its earthy or 
more solid matter during the forced action of the skin which 
causes sweating, be that cause what it may. Hence, the blood 
contains a larger proportion of impurities after sweating than 
before, as it lost more water than solid matter during the process. 
The skin is an eliminating organ, but it is a physiological fact 
that no organ performs its natural function when forced. So the 
small amount of material got rid of through profuse or pro- 
longed sweating does not compensate for the weakness induced. 

It would be a serious undertaking to write the various cases 
where these baths are applicable, and only the practiced eye 
of the physician should pretend to detect them. 

13. Electrical Baths. — These, also, must be confined to 
infirmary or cure practice. They are available to much extent, 
and useful adjuncts to the general hygienic treatment. 



Hygienic Appliances. 109 

There are various local baths, which must not occupy space 
in description here, as no one will fail to recognize their need 
in particular cases, and find means to supply them. 

14. Injections. — These are so prominent in the treatment 
of acute diseases that they should be ranked first in order. 
What curious notions prevail concerning this most efficacious 
remedial means ! People will endure to have their bowels 
raked and scoured with cathartic poisons, but to speak of using 
the syringe is to proclaim their death sentence. After they are 
convinced so far as to allow its use, you are cautioned against 
using too much water, lest the bowels burst. I have met with 
many most ludicrous experiences in my missionary work of 
introducing to patients the use of this valuable method. 

How readily we can see its reasonableness, when we use the 
knowledge we have of physiology, and recall the fact that the 
mucous lining of the intestines is like that of the external skin 
— that, as explained elsewhere in this little book, the bowels 
are excretory organs, because the materials found there are such 
as have been secreted from the blood, being no longer of use 
not only, but disease-producing agents, liable to re-absorption 
into the blood, thus bringing disorder. In diseased states the 
secretions are liable to be, in fact are, vicious and irritating. 
How easily this can be met by the use of a full injection of 
warm or hot water, relaxing the membranes and washing out 
the bowels — a sort of internal bath. 

By full injection, I mean as much as can be received — from 
two to four quarts, or more. The patient will at first declare, 
after receiving a small portion, that no more can possibly be 
given, but that is not so. Gently manipulate the abdomen, 
following the line of the colon, while the water is being intro- 
duced. At times, wait a few seconds, as gases in the intestines 
will induce pain ; work carefully and rather slowly, and a good 
amount will be received. Place a closely-folded towel to the 
anus, pressing tightly, so the injection may be retained ; and, 
as a rule, it should not be allowed to pass off until there is an 
aching or griping of the whole abdomen, — not merely a bear- 
ing down or urging at the rectum. 

Small Injections. — A gill or two of cool water, taken to be 
retained, is very useful in many cases — piles, uterine conges- 



110 Woman and Health. 

tion, inflammation of the bladder, etc., also in dysentery. I 
often use white castile soapsuds, or a little glycerine, sweet 
oil, or bran-tea in the water. 

Vaginal Injections. — These are to be used with much caution. 
Unless especially prescribed, I do not recommend them. I 
have seen much injury done by their use. 

As a means of cleanliness only can they be safe in the hands 
of non-professional people. 

As, in description of acute diseases and treatment, injec- 
tions are recommended in particular cases, I need give no 
further directions for their use in this chapter. 

Perhaps, however, it is well to say that chronic invalids should 
not become dependent on this as a means of moving what the 
heavens and the earth cannot induce to activity — namely, 
"obstinate bowels." If these people will cultivate nerve-force 
and expend less, they will not require artificial means of any 
kind; but if such aid must be had, I prefer the cool, small in- 
jection to be taken at night and retained. Then, if necessary, 
at a certain time next morning, take enough cool water to move 
the bowels, and, after evacuation, a small cool or cold one — 
again to be retained. 

But, in acute cases, rely on the injections — full and plen- 
teous. 



Fever. Ill 



CHAPTER X. 

FEVER. 

Doctor: Julia, what is fever? 

Julia: Fever is a great commotion and fire in the system, 
and ought to be broken up as soon as possible; the strongest 
kinds of medicines are required for that purpose. We are 
always alarmed when a fever is real, burning hot. I would 
much prefer less heat on the surface. 

Doctor: When all the bodily functions are disturbed more 
or less, and that disturbance manifested in periodical parox- 
ysms, severe or mild, of cold, hot, and sweating stages, there is 

A Fever. 

This abnormal disturbance is rather general and simul- 
taneous, and commences with lassitude, indisposition to exer- 
tion, uncomfortable sensations all over the body, creeping 
chills, shivering, succeeded by hot flushes, thirst, backache, 
aching of bones, and throughout the entire body. Then comes 
unnatural heat, and redness and fullness of blood-vessels; the 
whole system is sick; headache, coated tongue, rapid pulse, 
insufficient secretions, great prostration, etc. The superficial 
heat and redness partially or entirely subside as the sweating 
stage approaches, and sweating may be either local or general. 

Viola: There are, then, three sets of paroxysm, three 
stages — the cold, hot, and sweating stage. Is each stage of 
the paroxysm equally severe? 

Doctor: Not generally. Any one may be greatly more 
severe than the others, or so slight as scarcely to be noticed. 
The high, burning fever, which so frightens Julia and her friends, 
and prompts them to warlike action towards its supression, is 
the one least to be dreaded. In proportion as remedial action 
is thrown to the surface there is safety. There is a general, 
universal law of the animal economy — what is it? 



112 Woman and Health,. 

Viola: It is that of 

Alternate Action and Repose. 

Acting under this law in a case of fever, the organism may 
be said to gather its forces to the center, which is the cold 
stage, preparatory to making the remedial effort or expulsive 
endeavor; this done, the vital instincts direct their hosts to the 
surface with an energy which means to open up the purifying 
channels now obstructed; this is the hot stage, a reaction from 
the cold. But even the bravest fight is not exempt from weari- 
ness, and the time comes when rest must be had. The surface 
becomes less burning, the heart more quiet, and the sweating 
stage is announced, concluding the paroxysm for that occasion. 

Julia: Will the paroxysm return? 

Viola: Of course, again and again, until victory is achieved — 
" victory or death." It is all owing to how much there is to be 
done in setting things aright. 

Doctor: You would bring reason and intelligence to aid the 
vital instincts when they are engaged in struggling against 
harmful agents, which may have invaded the vital domain. 

Intermittent Fever. 

What are the symptoms? 

Viola: On the approach of this disease there is experienced 
a sensation of weakness and distress about the stomach ; a dis- 
position to yawn and stretch ; a feeling of chilliness, particu- 
larly along the spine ; the face grows pale and shrunken, the 
skin dry and rough. This sense of chilliness soon becomes 
more decided and more general; and trembling and shivering 
all over take place; the teeth chatter ; the knees knock to- 
gether; cheeks, lips, and nails turn blue; the breathing is quick 
and anxious; pulse frequent, but feeble; pains are felt in the 
back, head, and loins; secretions are diminished; the bowels 
constipated; the tongue dry and white. 

These general symptoms are succeeded by alternate flashes 
of heat, and by degrees the coldness ceases, only to be followed 
by the second stage, when the face becomes red and turgid; the 
whole surface of the body hot and dry. The head aches, 



Fever, 113 

temples throb, the pulse becomes full and strong, as well as 
rapid, and a general feeling of uncomfortableness and restless- 
ness takes place. Then comes the third stage. Moisture of 
the skin appears on the forehead and face, and soon a general 
sweat breaks forth, bringing relief. The tongue becomes moist, 
secretions released, the pains depart, and after a while the 
sweating leaves, and " all is well." This is the general phase 
of ague. There are varieties almost innumerable; the paroxysm 
may not present all the stages. The heat and sweating will be 
present without the chilliness; or the chilliness without heat 
following; or the sweating stage alone may be present. The 
paroxysm is sometimes postponed in its periodical attack ; it 
is then getting milder, and when the time is anticipated, it is 
increasing in severity. I must also mention" that convulsions 
and vomiting are frequent attendants on this disease. Doubt- 
less these deviations depend upon the constitution of the 
patient, and also upon the local circumstances. I have seen 
cases where the wildest delirium attended the hot stage ; also 
fainting fits, and even strong tetanic symptoms presented them- 
selves. The duration of these paroxysms is as long as the 
existence of causes. 

Treatment. 

In this, as in the description of the disease, there can be no 
directions which will not admit of variation. I give a form of 
treatment which in my own practice has been remarkably suc- 
cessful, and which will be found safe and expedient, I feel 
sure, to those who are disposed to be cured — not blinded by 
the appearance of cure while causes are allowed to remain. 

When the cold stage is in its incipiency — when the chilli- 
ness and aching and depression of the forces of the system 
portend what is to follow, very copious drinking of hot water 
should at once be resorted to; the feet placed in a hot bath for 
five minutes, afterward well rubbed dry. Let the patient then 
be placed in bed, and hot fomentations applied to the liver and 
stomach and spleen, in fact, to the whole visceral region. If 
the rubber fomenting-bag is used; wring a cotton or linen cloth 
from hot water, and, placing it on the surface to be fomented, 
8 



114 Woman and Health. 

apply the bag over this, covering all with the dry flannel. This 
fomentation may be continued one hour, or even during the 
continuance of the cold stages. 

Have the feet kept warm by placing a jug of hot water to 
them, and cover well with abundance of light warm blankets 
and comfortables. Drink a glass of hot water, or lemon water, 
every twenty minutes during this stage. As the chilliness 
abates and the second stage asserts itself, a very full enema 
should be given. Use warm water, as warm as can be borne, 
and let the patient receive from one to three or four quarts of 
water. 

While the enema is being administered, gently rub and 
knead the abdomen at intervals of a few moments, alternating 
with the pumping of the syringe, if a bulb syringe is used ; but 
if a fountain syringe is used, a gentle stroking and rubbing and 
kneading of the abdomen may be continued during the time 
the water is received into the bowels. After this, apply a 
closely-folded napkin or towel to the anus, press upward firmly 
with the left hand, and at the same time with the right hand 
rub and press the liver gently, but firmly, for a moment or so. 
This enables the patient to retain the water injected, and gives 
most positive results — such as are desired in the case. 

After the enema passes off (let it be retained ten, fifteen, or 
twenty minutes, it possible), apply a bandage of sufficient width 
to reach from the arm-pits to the hips, and long enough to 
double around the body. Wring this from warm or tepid 
water; cover well with dry flannel. If there is thirst, cool 
drinks may be given — never ice-cold. 

Apply a cloth wet in cool water to the head, or, which I 
think is preferable, frequent spongings of the face and light 
wetting of the head, applying a cool cloth under that part 
which rests on the pillow. This can be done very nicely by 
using a piece of oil silk over the pillow. The compress or 
bandage may be changed as it becomes heated ; rewrung from 
tepid water and re-applied. The air of the room will be pure, 
of course, and the patient allowed to rest. 

When the third stage approaches, and it gives its signal by 
the sweat upon the brow and forehead, administer a hot soap 
and water sponge-bath. 



Fever. 115 

Now let the patient rest, and, if possible, sleep. 

If sweating is so profuse as to bring great inconvenience, 
light spongings of the spine in tepid water, or even to sponge 
the whole surface is admissible. But rest is better, if it can be 
had. There will, in some cases, unusual symptoms present 
themselves. These need give no alarm — need not lead to dis- 
trust of the correctness of the grand principles which underlie 
hygienic treatment. Always keeping before the mind that 
these morbid manifestations are but the callings of organic 
instinct for help — appealing to reason and to science, to read 
what nature indicates, and then to apply helpful means. For 
instance, if vomiting occurs, give copious draughts of warm 
water — producing emesis — or, hot water taken in sips alternating 
with cold; and, if convulsive symptoms arise, a hot sitz and 
foot bath of five to ten minutes, with copious drinking of hot 
water, or the full hot bath may be given. This, in treating 
children, is perhaps most convenient. 

I regard the treatment which anticipates the paroxysm of 
the first importance. We have a congested liver and spleen, 
and probably stomach. On the " well day," foment the liver 
and spleen forty minutes. Have the fomented surface well 
rubbed for ten minutes, dipping the hand in cold water every few 
moments and rubbing briskly from side to side. Now rub with 
a dry towel, and the patient lying upon the face, sponge the 
spine with cloths wrung from very hot water, for five minutes. 
Follow this with cool sponging a moment, and brisk, dry towel 
rubbing. After this, a rest of one hour or longer. 

About 9 o'clock a. m. is perhaps the best time for taking 
morning treatment. A 3 o'clock p. m. repeat the fomentation 
thirty minutes, and follow this with a full enema of hot water, 
injecting at the last a gill of quite cool water. Let this be 
retained, while the liver and abdomen are thoroughly rubbed 
and kneaded. 

Should a copious discharge of bile follow, repeat the injec- 
tion ; using tepid water, and as much in quantity as can be 
received. Complete rest of an hour afterward. 



116 Woman and Health. 

Typhus Fever. 

Viola: How strangely at variance the different medical 
authors are in their arrangement of fevers. There seems to be 
no one opinion holding preference among physicians, so I sup- 
pose it is not a matter of very great importance. 

Doctor: The indications for treatment are about the same 
under any arrangement, and after all there are some marked 
characteristics which pretty surely define the disease. There 
are two general classes of fever : 

Continued and Periodic. 

Please mention a type of each. 

Viola: Typhus fever would be typical of continued fever; 
intermittent fever or ague would be a type of periodical fever. 
Are typhus and typhoid fevers the same ? 

Doctor: In their main characteristics they are; but there 
are some leading discriminations. 

Viola : The premonitory symptoms of typhus are languor, 
paleness, headache, loss of appetite, tremor, muscular debility, 
irregularity of the bowels, dryness of the skin, tongue furred, 
wandering pains in various parts of the body, unrefreshing 
sleep, a general sense of weariness, and incapacity for thought 
or muscular action. 

The surface is generally hot, but there is frequently cold- 
ness and even moisture.- The tongue is very dry or clammy ; 
it is sometimes clean and smooth, at other times furred ; the 
edges and tip will be red, and a white streak which covers the 
central portion of the tongue, or this streak will be divided by 
a straight brown line which runs down the center of the tongue. 
Sordes accumulate over the teeth, the eyes are suffused, there 
is delirum or stupor. Small black spots float before the eyes, 
and the patient is constantly grasping the air after them, or 
picking them off the bed-clothes. There is distention of the 
abdomen at times, though but little complaint of pain; the 
faeces and urine pass involuntarily, and the patient is indifferent 
to his surroundings. There is frequently cough and expecto- 
ration, and the breathing is " rattling " or sonorous. 



Fever. 117 

Typhoid Fever. 

The commencement of typhoid fever is often insidious. 
Premonitory symptoms are present for days and weeks. The 
appearance of the countenance is less dull than in typhus, and 
is more anxious. The delirium is wilder. The patient is dis- 
posed to get out of bed. The intestines are particularly affect- 
ed, so much so that Dr. Budd calls it intestinal fever, and Dr. 
Watson says he wishes it had been named that instead of 
typhoid. 

Diarrhoea is often an early symptom, preceded by pain. 
There is tenderness over the csecal region, and, if diarrhoea 
continue, even if there be no pain complained of, there is an 
almost certainty of ulceration of the bowels. 

There are what the books call "complications" of these 
fevers — inflammation of the brain, of the lungs, bowels, etc.; 
hemorrhages of the bowels, stomach, bladder, etc. 

But these can be very readily met with proper hygienic 
appliances, and cases which appear hopeless should not be given 
up as such, so long as breath lasts or any sign of life is present. 

Treatment. 

Doctor: The general indications are to procure elimination 
and balance of circulation with the least expenditure of vital 
power; also to watch carefully the complications which are 
-iable to arise, and meet them with promptness. 

During the first stage, or the incipiency, I would administer 
a hot sitz and foot bath for ten minutes. Let the patient be 
seated in a tub, with feet placed in a vessel of hot water — the 
temperature to be as high as can be borne; a blanket wrapped 
around the shoulders and allowed to fall closely about the out- 
side of the tub. The head may be covered with a towel wrung 
from cold water; the face sponged in cool water. Sips of hot 
water or hot lemon water should be taken while in the bath. 
Add more hot water as it begins to cool. Let the feet and lower 
limbs be rubbed, dipping the hand in the hot water. Rub also 
the stomach and liver. Now, having the room warm, let the 
patient lean forward, the blanket removed and placed across 



118 Woman and Health. 

the knees, and the back thoroughly rubbed with towels dipped 
in the hot water of the bath. Strong soap should also be used, 
or a spoonful of sal-soda put in the water. In a few moments 
let the chest and abdomen and thighs be rubbed. Then wrap 
a warm dry sheet about the shoulders and body, and, placing 
the patient on a bed or lounge, rub thoroughly dry. Putting 
on the night-clothing, sponge the face in cool water, apply a 
jug of hot water to the feet, and give alternate sips of hot and 
cold water to drink as thirst demands. After resting half an 
hour (unless the patient falls asleep), apply the fomenter to 
the abdomen twenty minutes. 

On removing this, administer a full injection of very warm 
water. Gently manipulate the abdomen and liver, and after a 
few moments the water may be allowed to pass off. Follow 
this with another copious enema, at a slightly reduced temper- 
ature. This should be retained as long as possible. Now let 
the patient rest. The room should be warm, well ventilated, 
light, but not glaringly so. 

There should be no talking or whispering permitted in 
hearing of the patient. After the second enema passes off, and 
a short rest has followed, if there be aching down the spine, 
give a fomentation to the lower half of the spine — apply hot 
cloths, or the bag — about twenty minutes, and follow this 
with the abdominal bandage wrung from warm water and 
applied to the abdomen only — not across the back. The dry 
covering may be allowed to extend entirely around the body. 

Keep the feet warm. Frequently bathe the temples and 
hands, and give sips of water, hot and cold. If the surface of 
the whole body is hot, the wide abdominal bandage may be kept 
on constantly, or several hours at a time. Always give atten- 
tion to the feet, bathing them in hot water two or three mo- 
ments at a time, and after rubbing dry, place hot bottles to them. 
Never disturb the patient, if asleep, when the time for any form 
of treatment arrives. 

During the first three or five days, if symptoms do not yield 
somewhat after the first treatment, follow it by repetition of the 
same each afternoon at about four o'clock. 

If there is local pain, fomentations will always prove help- 
ful. The spine should be sponged in hot water for five 



Fever. 119 

minutes once an hour during the day. If general heat on the 
surface, the whole body and limbs may be sponged about once 
in two hours; at which time renew the abdominal bandage. 

The patient may remain in bed to receive this treatment. 
The attendant's hand passing under the bed-clothes, and 
bathing and rubbing but a portion of the surface at a time, 
gives no exposure or liability to unpleasant sensations of cold. 

If the patient is not able to resume a sitting posture, the full 
long bath may be given, if convenient, at a temperature not 
lower than 95 °. Five minutes should be about the duration. 
The treatment following this may be the same as before. 

But I have derived quite as good results from using the half 
pack, applying it from the arm-pits almost to the knees, and 
leaving the arms free. This, should be wrung from hot water. 
It is always safe and gives no shock. If this is used, it maybe 
prolonged to one hour. On removing it, the body should be 
washed with tepid or warm water in which a little sal-soda is 
dissolved, and a rest of an hour had before applying the band- 
age or giving further treatment. There is such a variety of 
constitutions, disease appears under such a multitude of forms, 
that it is not possible to give exact directions for exactly each 
case, nor is it essential. Keeping before the mind the fact that 
conditions are to be supplied helpful to nature's efforts, the 
minutiae of treatment will easily follow. The full injection 
may be given of hot water, after each treatment, afternoons. 
Follow this with a cooler one, which should be retained some 
time, ten minutes to half an hour. 

At ten o'clock each morning foment the abdomen and liver 
thirty minutes, after which administer a warm injection and 
apply the bandage. If rest comes to the patient, it will be 
looked for after midnight, and during the early morning hours. 
This should be invited by every possible means. 

There must not be allowed the burning of lights in the 
room. Quiet and rest. These are absolutely essential. 

A thorough rubbing of the whole surface with dry flannel 
may take the place of the sponge-bath, previous to the treat- 
ment at 10 o'clock A. m. As the fever symptoms abate, the 
patient grows weaker; omit the general treatment; give a daily 
rubbing or two; let the bandage be worn, if it do not produce 



120 Woman and Health. 

chilliness, for about five hours, from 10 A. m. to 3 p. M. On re- 
moving it, rub well the surface, and sponge the spine in hot 
water. At night, one full enema may be given of warm water, 
and a spoonful of pure sweet oil. 

A sponge-bath now, once in two days. But if complications 
arise, meet them as for these inflammations. 

Fomentations to the lungs will relieve those lung symptoms, 
and the enemas will affect the bowels ; give them after each 
passage, if diarrhoea occur. Cold cloths to the abdomen, and 
cool injections for hemorrhage, etc. Manipulate the lower 
limbs, press and gently stroke them, also the arms, daily or 
frequently. Do not tire the patient ; favor all desire on his 
part for rest As to food during fever, give fruit juices if de- 
sired, diluted with water, toast water, and " nothing more." 

As fever abates and convalescence begins, bran-tea, or bran- 
gruel more properly, is, I believe, the food. This may be taken 
at regular intervals at first, about four times each day. 
Quantity as well as quality must be considered. This depends 
on the age, etc., of the patient, and I leave the attendants to 
exercise their good judgment regarding it. Baked apples or 
fruits of the season may be indulged in if there be no reason 
to counter-indicate their use. If animal food is craved, let it 
be given sparingly, not more than once a day ; and an adult 
should take it in the form of steak, broiled rare, and well mas- 
ticated, rejecting the pulp, swallowing only the juices. 

This is far preferable to beef-tea. Unleavened bread is 
better than yeast bread. When the patient's appetite is inex- 
orable, let a drink of hot water be given ; this distends the 
stomach and gives the feeling of satisfaction akin to that which 
would come from eating. Children can be induced to take 
simple food, and during convalescence should be allowed only 
such. 

Indulgence of appetite at these times is had at the cost of 
life, or, what is as bad, of future good health ; for chronic dis- 
eases are always liable to become fastened upon the system, 
which is not permitted to finish well its depurating work, which 
is burdened with food when not able to dispose of it. 

I would say, regarding my directions for treatment of fever, 
that much must necessarily be left to the wise decision of the 
patient and attendants. 



Fever. 121 

It is understood that continued fever differs from periodic 
fever, in that the febrile symptoms do not entirely subside at 
any time ; there is a succession of exacerbations, and no appre- 
ciable intermission in periodic fever. 

The cold stage will come perhaps irregularly — at one time 
in the night, again some time during the day, or several times. 
Of course, warmth will then be applied, and await the reaction, 
or warm stage, before putting on the bandage or applying the 
half pack. In home treatment these things can be very'soon 
learned if attention be paid to them. 

I have recommended pretty vigorous measures, and such 
are useful, as I know from long experience, in the treatment of 
acute diseases ; but it is not always necessary to prolong the 
whole " prescription " during even as long a period as three or 
five days ; symptoms will soon indicate what to do as to that. 

This is a good and safe rule to follow when doubt arises. 
Be sure not to do too much. 

Remittent Fever. 

Viola : This is a periodic fever. It has one daily exacerba- 
tion of the paroxysm, but unlike intermittent fever, the stages 
are not so defined as to become complete. They blend more 
into each other. Often, there is much bilious vomiting, and 
then it is called bilious remittent fever. The symptoms at 
first are hardly distinguishable from typhus fever, but being 
periodic and not continued, the intermission of symptoms soon 
decides the matter in accordance with this distinguishing feat- 
ure. What is the 

Treatment ? 

Doctor: The first thing to be done is to free the bowels. 
A full enema of hot water — as high temperature as can be 
borne — should be given ; this to be retained, if possible, a few 
moments. If it will pass off, repeat the enema ; gently manip- 
ulating the abdomen and pressing the liver. Free drinking of 
hot water, if there be no bilious vomiting ; and if there be 
inclination to "throw up bile," favor it by free drinking of 
warm water to the effect of producing emesis. 



122 Woman and Health. 

If the discharges responding to enemas show much bile, 
repeat the full injection. In case of children, when they can- 
not be induced to drink warm water, place a small cloth wrung 
from very cold water right to the pit of the stomach ; at the 
same time apply the fomenting-bag or cloth over this and the 
liver and abdomen. This will remedy the feeling of nausea, 
and by re-applying the same for half an hour or so, the patient 
can easily take the enema. A hot foot-bath of three minutes, 
and after this the abdominal bandage wrung from warm water, 
to be worn an hour or more, or until the fever is in the ascend- 
ant. While the bandage is worn, if there is still chilliness, 
bottles of hot water may be placed to the back, the fomenting- 
bag over the the liver, and the feet kept warm. 

The fever may be met with a thorough towel-bath, using 
soap and sal-soda in the water. Then apply the cool bandage 
after sufficient interval of rest. This may be worn continually, 
or until the next chill approaches, when remove it and apply 
the fomenter to liver and abdomen for one hour. 

'A full enema should now be given, and, after it passes off, 
allow the patient to rest. If thirst or nausea are present, sips 
of hot water alternate with cold. 

Food should be mostly withheld ; only toast-water or very 
thin rice or wheat-meal gruel are admissible in answer to the 
patient's craving. Never seek to " tempt the appetite!' 

The convalescence may be managed similar to that of other 
fevers. 



Eruptive Fevers. 123 



CHAPTER XI. 

ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

Viola: Did you ever treat a case of 
Small-pox? 

Doctor: I never did. Dr. Glass has treated a large number 
of cases, and never lost one, under hygienic treatment. 

This disease sets in with strong symptoms : chills, feverish- 
ness, hard and frequent pulse, nausea, vomiting, pain in the 
stomach, severe headache and backache. 

It is difficult to distinguish this from others of the eruptive 
fevers at the onset, but if vomiting and unbearable pain i7i the 
back be present, then disease may be suspicioned. Several 
days (about three, perhaps), will elapse before the eruption 
begins to show itself — " first on the face, then on the neck and 
wrists, and on the trunk of the body, and lastly on the lower 
extremities." Of course, there are deviations from this. The 
pimples grow into pustules about the eighth day, when they 
begin to break and scabs form. 

The number of pustules is by no means uniform — some- 
times few, sometimes several hundred. The confluent form of 
small-pox is when there is a plentiful eruption, and the pus- 
tules run together; the discreet form , when they are few and 
stand out distinctly. The former is always dangerous, while 
the latter is not so. The fever subsides when the eruption is 
well out; the headache and pain in the back also leave. About 
the seventh or eighth day, however, there is feverishness, and at 
this period there is great danger. It is now that cases are 
most likely to prove fatal. This " perilous day " is justly 
looked forward to with much anxiety. The second week is a 
critical one. 



124 Woman a) id Health. 

There are other conditions frequently attending the disease; 
sore throat is one. But it is not necessary to prolong this sketch 
further than to speak of the disagreeable odor which proceeds 
from the body during the period of maturation of the pustules, 
and the suffering occasioned by the itching of the surface, 
tempting the patient to tear off the heads of the pustules, and 
thus, perhaps, insure pitting. I say perhaps. " I had," says Dr. 
Glass, "cases of confluent small-pox, very severe, indeed, and 
the patient could not be, or at least was not, prevented from 
rubbing the scabs from portions of the body; the face was pro- 
tected carefully. On recovering, it was found that the face was 
pitted and the body unmarked." 

There must ever be great diversity of opinion regarding this 
matter, for it seems to me almost every case presents individual 
conditions, favorable or not to the formation of pits, and the 
friends and medical attendants will suffer humiliation if they 
are so rash as to say this method or that will insure protection 
from this dreaded result. Still, something may be done, and it 
is worth the effort at least. 

Treatment. 

The first measure is to clear the bowels by enema of hot 
soapsuds. White castile soap is preferable to any other. Make 
a good, stiff suds, and inject as much as the patient can receive. 
After manipulating the abdomen and liver, give a drink of hot 
water; let the enema be retained as long as possible; when this 
passes off, repeat, using only clear hot water. Manipulate the 
abdomen while this is given. 

Now have ready a tub in which is a pail or so of hot water. 
Dip a towel in this, rub soap on it; get the towel well soaked 
with the soap and water. Rub the whole surface, first the arms, 
then the back, chest, and lower limbs, with this soaped towel; 
place the patient in the tub; the feet may be put on a foot- 
bath tub or pail; rinse and wash well the back and body; add 
more hot water, rub the limbs and feet, rinse well; then wrap a 
dry, warm sheet around the shoulders and body, and place in 
bed. Do not rub dry; cover with light, warm bed-clothing, 
place a jug of hot water to the feet, and give copious draughts 



Eruptive Fevers. 125 

of hot water — occasionally sips of cold. Have the room com- 
fortably warm, well ventilated, quiet. Cold cloths, or cool 
spongings, may be applied to the head, when desired; allow no 
food. 

If vomiting continue, an adult will drink so freely of warm 
water as to produce emesis; a child may have the enema 
repeated in the course of about three hours. 

This hot soap bath may be repeated next day at about nine 
o'clock, or earlier if symptoms are importunate. Always, on 
taking the patient from the bath, envelope him in the warm 
dry sheet, and let him so remain in bed for an hour or so. Give 
a full injection daily. 

As the pimples appear and pain subsides, the patient may 
remain in bed; a towel bath of soap and hot water may be 
given, having the room warm, and avoiding exposure. 

Extreme cleanliness must be observed. There will now 
come much variableness of sensation as to cold and heat. This 
must be carefully watched, and the temperature of the room 
and amount of covers graduated accordingly; also measures 
taken to warm the extremities, hot drinks given, etc. 

I give no food. This bran-tea may be drank if there is no 
nausea, or when it ceases. Let it be given about three times a 
day at regular intervals, but about the eighth day this should 
be discontinued for one or two days, and toast water substituted ; 
but nothing more than this. 

To allay itching, and perhaps prevent pitting, I would recom- 
mend an application like this: Finely-powdered camphor and 
pure olive oil of equal parts by measure. This may be smeared 
over the face; then dust more camphor over the face. A soft 
linen cloth now applied, and over this a cloth wrung from cool 
water, will be found grateful. I am of opinion that if each pus- 
tule was punctured it would lessen the danger of pitting. 

' Chicken-pox. 

Doctor: This is a simple disorder peculiar to children, and 
as there is little or no constitutional disturbance, we are at a 
loss for symptoms. There is an eruption composed of small 
transparent vesicles, and a slight degree of redness around 
them; but very little fever accompanies these. It begins on 



12fi Woman and Health. 

the neck, shoulders, and breast, and almost always affects the 
scalp, while the face is quite free from the eruption. Some- 
times this lasts several days, and the little vesicles become not 
so transparent, and when irritated by scratching or rubbing, 
become inflamed and even converted into pustules. They dry 
quickly and become scaly, and crumble off gradually, not being 
detached in one mass. 

The treatment is correspondingly mild. Daily washing of 
the whole surface in warm water, using castile soap ; a simple 
diet of bread and fruit ; the bowels kept open by warm enema 
daily, is about all the treatment required. 

Measles. 

Viola: I learn that this, like all fevers, begins with chilli- 
ness, followed by fever and thirst. But the peculiarity of the 
fever attending measles is the inflammatory condition of the 
mucous membranes of the air passages. There is much sneez- 
ing, the eyes become watery, copious discharges from the nose 
like catarrh, soreness of the throat, sometimes a dry cough. 
Diarrhcea is often an accompaniment, also vomiting. They 
cease on the appearance of the eruption, which takes place 
about the fourth day from the commencement of catarrhal 
symptoms — sometimes later — even to the eighth or tenth 
day. The eruption is a rash of minute pimples at first, but 
form into blotches, leaving the portions of the skin between 
them of the natural color. It is two or three days coming out, 
beginning on the neck, face, and arms, then reaching the trunk 
of the body and lower extremities. 

Doctor: It remains on the face about three days, then 
begins to decline in the order of its appearance. Measles is 
contagious, and sets in about ten days or a fortnight from the 
time of exposure. It is difficult at first to distinguish this 
from small-pox, and, still more so, this from scarlet fever. But 
as the indications for treatment are not unlike in this whole 
family of eruptive fevers, it is not a matter of very much im- 
portance what you name the disease at first. Distinguishing 
characteristics soon present themselves. While the rash 
characterizes measles, I have always found the pectoral symp- 



Eruptive Fevers. 127 

toms far the more important. I have met with many cases of 
confirmed pulmonary disease, which attributed its origin to 
measles. 

I do not understand why the mistaken notion is so preva- 
lent, that measles is only measles— a trivial complaint — and 
very little care will suffice to meet its phases. In reality, it is 
as dangerous as any of the eruptive fevers. 

Treatment. 

Doctor: At commencement of catarrhal symptoms a full 
soapsuds hot bath should be taken; have the whole body well 
rubbed; the feet also placed in hot water about three minutes. 
Free the bowels by enema of warm water very full; give drink 
of hot water, or simple hot lemonade. The food should be 
gruel or bran-tea, and a moderate allowance of fruit. 

Keep the patient warm— not more so than is comfortable, 
and watch chest symptoms. If the cough continue hard and 
rough, breathing rapid, apply hot fomentation to the chest half 
an hour at a time, and follow this with application of several 
folds of dry flannel. In about one hour repeat the fomentation, 
and so on, till symptoms subside somewhat. If there is 
diarrhoea, apply fomentation to the abdomen and liver forty 
minutes; remove this, rub dry, then give full enema of very 
warm, thin bran-tea, adding one spoonful of pure sweet oil. 
This may be repeated after each operation if they are frequent. 

When the eruption appears, give cool or warm drinks, as 
thirst calls for. Keep quietly in bed. Sponge the surface or 
portions at a time in hot water. Let the air be pure. Allow 
very little food. Should spasm occur, as it sometimes does, 
place the patient in a full hot bath for five minutes. Wrap 
then in a dry sheet. Give full enema. 

There are some constitutions, or, rather, perhaps, some 
fevers, that bear cold bathing and cold applications to the 
chest very well. This is when the fever approaches to 
synochus, or common fever. There is no appearance of pros- 
tration. As the hot Dath and mild measures are always entirely 
safe, I speak particularly of them. 

During convalescence much care must be taken that the 
patient is in no way exposed to cold or to other dangers which 
beset the convalescent period of all diseases. 



128 Woman and Health. 



Scarlet Fever. 



Doctor: How many varieties of scarlet fever do authors 
generally agree to make, that the description of this disease 
may be. more conveniently arranged? 

Viola : Three varieties: scarlatina simplex, in which there 
is a florid rash and little or no affection of the throat; scarla- 
tina anginosa, in which both the skin and the throat are decid- 
edly implicated; and scarlatina maligna, in which the stress of 
the disease falls upon the throat. 

Doctor: Remember that the name scarlatina is only the 
scientific one for scarlet fever. I have found it troublesome to 
impress persons with the fact; they persisting in the error that 
scarlet fever is more alarming than scarlatina. Is this a con- 
tinued fever ? 

Viola : It is, and begins, like all other continued fevers, 
with lassitude, shivering, weakness, headache, and perhaps 
nausea and vomiting. About the second day the eruption 
begins to come out. It is characterized by a redness which 
begins in minute points, but spreads rapidly and closely over 
the surface, giving the skin a general red color. In favorable 
cases the eruption " stands out for three or four days, and then 
begins to fade and decline, becoming by degrees indistinct and 
disappearing altogether, in the majority of instances, before the 
end of the seventh day. About this time desquamation of the 
cuticle begins to take place — in smaller scarf or scales from 
the face and body, in large flakes frequently from the extrem- 
ities. The scarf skin of the hands and of the feet sometimes 
separate almost entirely. A glove or slipper of cuticle comes 
away at once." 

Julia : In 

Scarlatina Maligna 

the rash comes out late, or perhaps not at all, and is apt sud- 
denly to disappear and appear again. 

Simplex and Anginosa 

are forms where the tongue is covered with a white, thick, 
cream-like fur, through which are seen projecting the red and 



Eruptive Fevers. 129 

exaggerated papillae ; the edges of the tongue being likewise 
of a bright red color. At length the whole surface of the 
tongue becomes preternaturally red and clean and raw-looking. 
This is called the 

Strawberry Tongue. 

The throat is sore, tonsils swollen and red, or covered with 
a whitish or gray substance. The throat is perilously affected. 
As the disease goes on, there are acrid discharges from the 
throat and nostrils, and even the anus becomes excoriated, as 
a consequence of the virulent discharges from the bowels. In- 
flammation of the eustachian tube is a very common attendant 
upon the throat affection, and the patient may become incura- 
bly deaf from destruction of some of the membranes and little 
bones of the ear. Very unpleasant results follow a severe 
course of scarlet fever. It seems that any latent tendency to 
scrofula in any form is now ready to be developed ; enlarge- 
ment of the glands under the ears, sores in various places over 
the body, swelling of the joints, dropsy, etc. 

Treatment. 

Doctor: Hot foot-bath five minutes. Cool the head. 
Place the patient in bed, and apply the fomenting-bag to the 
abdomen and liver and stomach fifteen minutes. Now give 
freely hot lemonade — not sweet, but as acid as the patient will 
consent to drink. Distend the stomach with this. 

Follow with full injection of hot water, to which is added a 
teaspoonful of spirits of ammonia. After this passes off, place 
the patient in bed and apply hot fomentation to the throat 
twenty minutes, giving frequent sips of hot water during this 
time, and having a jug of hot water to the feet. Then apply 
a cool compress (not cold), and cover well with abundance of 
dry flannel. This may remain half an hour, when the fomenta- 
tion should be repeated. If the cool application is not agree- 
able to the patient, apply dry flannel to the throat when the 
hot fomentation is discontinued ; and when this is done, dip 
the hand in cold water and rub well the throat for five minutes, 
frequently wetting the hand, and finally rub with a dry towel. 
9 



130 Woman and Health. 

The fomentations may be thus applied and continued until 
there is some yielding of the local symptoms. Be sure to have 
the applications made with a positiveness which such cases 
demand. If there is nausea and vomiting and great prostra- 
tion of the system, take a piece of flannel, large enough to go 
around the body, and wring from strong and hot mustard water 
— about three tablespoonfuls of ground mustard to one quart 
of hot water. Wrap this around the body from the arm-pits to 
the hips, and cover with several thicknesses of dry flannel, 
pinning closely enough to be comfortable. Then place the 
feet in the hot mustard bath for two minutes, and rub dry. The 
throat will at this time be protected by the dry flannel or cool 
compress. Keep the patient in this mustard pack half an 
hour if possible, or longer if he is soothed and restful. When 
the surface becomes pretty red and the flannel is removed, 
apply a soft linen or fine cotton bandage wrung from warm 
water, and cover well with dry flannel. This may be worn 
pretty constantly, unless chilliness or great unwillingness on 
the part of the patient seem to contra-indicate its use. If there 
is persistent nausea or diarrhoea, give full enemas three times a 
day, using warm, thin bran-tea with a spoonful of olive oil, also 
hot water and ammonia as above, also clear hot water. 

Insist upon the patient taking frequent sips of hot water or 
hot lemonade. Frequent gargling of the throat with hot 
water, then cold, is an excellent measure, but children can 
scarcely ever be persuaded to do this, and external applica- 
tions, together with swallowing hot water, answer about as 
well. 

Sponge the face in cool water frequently, also the hands. 
The arms and lower limbs may be sponged in warm water once 
or twice a day, as it is soothing to the patient. 

The patient's clothing and bed-clothing, and all the cloths 
used about him, must be changed daily ; the bandages and 
towels and flannels scalded and well washed before using again. 
Give no ice-cold water as drink ; give cool water or cool bran- 
tea, slippery-elm, flax-seed, or barley water. 

Give no food but this during the days of fever, or while the 
throat is seriously affected ; then a little fruit and thin gruel 
only are admissible. I find little trouble from unpleasant 



Eruptive Fevers. 131 

sequela, and believe that simple hygienic treatment prevents 
much of the unfavorable conditions following an attack of 
scarlet fever. 

Erysipelas. 

Viola: In many points erysipelas resembles the other erup- 
tive fevers, being ushered in with such premonitory symptoms 
as chilliness, languor, frequent pulse. The throat is almost 
always sore. Nausea and vomiting, and frequently diarrhoea, are 
present. Soon some part of the face, one cheek, or ear, or side 
of the nose, begins to feel hot and tingling; and, as the redness 
and swelling are extended, they are well defined by an ele- 
vated margin, which advances until the whole face or scalp, or 
both, are invaded. Sometimes the inflammation is quite super- 
ficial, at others it is deeper, and even suppuration takes place. 
After three or four days the swelling subsides and desqua- 
mation takes place, and the inflammation creeps along from 
one part of the surface to another; the face or part first affected 
will be growing pale and covered with patches of dead skin, 
while the scalp is becoming red. There is a good deal of dif- 
ference in these cases. There is generally mild delirium — 
sometimes there is great prostration. 

Treatment. 

Doctor: There should be no effort made to shorten the dis- 
ease, nor to check its spreading, as is too often done, and which 
efforts are always attended with hazard. 

These are considered perilous cases, but I have found none 
that were not liable to yield readily to good nursing. 

I have always met these cases tenderly. The very first 
thing to do is to clear the bowels. Give one, two, or three full 
injections of very warm water. After these pass off, if there is 
nausea, drinking freely of warm water, producing emesis, then 
sips of hot and cold, alternately. A hot foot-bath of three 
minutes. Let the patient remain quiet and warm, and, as fever 
becomes general and the characteristic symptoms assert them- 
selves, give a thorough sponge-bath, using hot water in which 
a spoonful of sal-soda is dissolved. 



132 Woman and Health. 

Foment the inflamed surface — it can scarcely be overdone 
— an hour or two at a time. Give a full injection daily, after 
applying the fomenting-bag to the liver and abdomen for forty 
minutes previously. The spine may be sponged in hot water 
at any time for a few moments, greatly to the relief of the 
patient. If the throat is troublesome, foment it fifteen minutes, 
then apply cool compress well covered with dry flannel. The 
fomentation may be repeated about three or four times a day, 
or oftener if necessary. Absolute quiet, fresh air, comfort- 
able temperature, and very little food — bran-tea, rice-gruel, 
and fruits. 



Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs. 133 



CHAPTER XII. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE THROAT AND LUNGS. 

Diphtheria. 

Viola: "This disease is sometimes preceded and usually 
accompanied with fever, which, in certain epidemics and in 
severe cases, is only transient, speedily giving place to de- 
pression. 

11 There is often a stiffness of the neck at the beginning of 
an attack, and usually more or less swelling and tenderness of 
the glands at the angles of the lower jaw. The tonsils are com- 
monly swollen, and, together with the immediate contiguous 
parts of the mucous surface, more or less inflamed. Some- 
times the swelling and inflammation subside without further 
local mischief; at others the inflamed surface presents, from an 
early stage of the disease, whitish specks or patches, or a con- 
tinuous covering of a membraniform aspect, which may appear 
as a mere thin, almost transparent, pellicle, but usually soon 
becomes opaque, and in some cases assumes the appearance 
of wet parchment or chamois leather. This membranous con- 
cretion varies in color from being slightly opaque to white, 
ash-color, buff or brownish, and, in rarer instances, to a black- 
ish tint. 

"This false membrane is a true exudation which has coagu- 
lated upon the mucous surface, from which it may often be 
readily separated, leaving the subjacent membrane mostly un- 
broken or merely excoriated, usually reddened, vascular, tender, 
and dotted with small bloody specks or points, but sometimes 
superficially ulcerated, and more rarely in a sloughing condi- 
tion. When the false membrane has been artificially removed, 
it is apt to be renewed, and, when not meddled with, to become 
thicker by continued exudation from the mucous surface. 



134 Woman and Health. 

" The severity of the disease is commonly in proportion to 
the continuity and density of the exudation; but cases some- 
times occur in which the membranous exudation is inconsider- 
able, and yet the general symptoms are of a very alarming kind. 
If the patches are small and remain distinct, the case ordinarily 
runs a favorable course; if they rapidly spread and coalesce, if 
the membrane becomes thick, and especially if it assumes a 
brownish or blackish color, danger is imminent. In proportion 
as the membrane increases in thickness and density, does its 
attachment to the subjacent surface generally become firmer. 
The surface of the mucous membrane around the exudation is 
red and vascular, and so tender that in severe cases it bleeds 
on the slightest touch. 

" The throat is, in general, the primary seat of the disease, 
but the inflammation is apt to spread along continuous mucous 
surfaces, and thus to extend upward into the nose and to the 
conjunction, down the pharynx into the oesophagus, through 
the glottis into the larynx, trachea, and downward into the 
bronchial tubes, or forward on to the buccal mucous membrane, 
the gums, and lips. 

"Wounds and excoriations of the skin, and the mucous 
membrane of the nymphae and vagina when tender or irritated, 
especially in persons already suffering of diphtheria of the 
throat, are, during an epidemic, liable to undergo the same 
process of exudation, which, coagulating, forms a false mem- 
brane analogous to that on the tonsils and throat." 

"After a time the false membrane is thrown off — either 
entire, so as to represent a mold of the parts it covered, or, 
which is more usual, comes away in shreds or flakes inter- 
mingled with mucus. Sometimes it undergoes decomposition 
prior to separation, giving rise to a very offensive smell. When 
the membraniform exudation has come away spontaneously, it 
is sometimes repeatedly renewed ; each successive false mem- 
brane becoming less and less dense, having less and less of the 
character of exudation, and more and more Of that mucous 
secretion, until at length the affected surface is merely covered 
with a thick mucus, which gradually disappears as the mucous 
membrane recovers its healthy condition. In other cases the 
exudation is not renewed when it has once been thrown off, 



Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs. 135 

but the subjacent membrane is observed to be either redder or 
paler than natural, has a rough, rugged appearance, or is 
depressed below the adjacent surface on the parts where dense, 
false membrane has existed. Occasionally, sloughing takes 
place beneath the exudation, or even more deeply, as in the 
center of a tonsil, and may implicate the tonsils, uvula, and 
soft palate. More rarely the tonsils suppurate. 

" Hemorrhage from the nose and throat, independently of 
the co-existence of purpuro, often occurs in the course of diph- 
theria, and is sometimes very profuse. The local affection 
may pass into a chronic form, in which relapses or exacerba- 
tions are readily produced by vicissitudes of weather or by 
exposure to damp or cold. 

" Even perfect recovery from an attack affords no immunity 
from the disease in future. 

"A peculiar character of the voice, resembling that pro- 
duced by affections of the throat in secondary syphilis, is a 
common result of diphtheria, and often continues for many 
weeks after recovery. The power of swallowing is sometimes 
so impaired that there has been difficulty in sustaining life dur- 
ing convalescence ; and the liquids especially are apt, even 
after a comparatively slight attack of the disease, to be regur- 
gitated through the nostrils. Extreme anaemia, impairment of 
vision, a peculiar form of paraplegia, weakness of the hands 
and arms, numbness, tenderness of the limbs, tingling, wander- 
ing pains, and, more rarely, nervous sequelae of a hemiplegic 
character, are, in the order here written, ulterior consequences 
of diphtheria. 

14 Gastrodyma and sometimes dysenteric diarrhoea occasion- 
ally follow diphtheria." 

This disease appears under so many forms, differing as each 
individual differs, that pages and pages might be occupied in 
describing it, but it would scarcely further our purpose to seek 
other than to know we have a case of diphtheria. Now, 

How Will We Treat It ? 

Meet the symptoms with promptness at the onset. If the 
patient be a child, place him in a tub of as hot water as can be 
borne. Dip the water over the throat, rub and manipulate the 



136 Woman and Health. 

throat and chest and abdomen with the hand while in the bath ; 
add more hot water, and let the whole bath occupy five to 
seven minutes. If an adult, the hot sitz and foot bath will 
answer, should it be inconvenient to use the full bath. Now 
wrap the patient in a dry, warm sheet, rub briskly dry, and put 
him in the warm half pack. Wrap well the legs and arms in 
flannel, and apply to the throat hot fomentations for an hour 
or so, giving frequent sips of hot lemon water, or pure hot 
water, alternately, if the patient desire it, with sips of cold 
water. If the case be severe and the throat symptoms persist- 
ent, continue the fomentations until there is some abatement, 
even if it be longer than one hour. 

Soon as the patient is rested after the bath, perhaps in half 
an hour, a full enema of hot water and glycerine (a spooaful 
of the latter added to the hot water) should be given, clearing 
well the bowels. This can be administered while the patient 
is in the half pack, thus preventing fatigue and exposure also. 
The half pack will come only to the hips — is really only a 
wide bandage. Now apply warmth generally. 

Place bottles of hot water to the feet and give frequent sips 
of hot water, continuing the fomentations unless there is a 
subsidence of symptoms warranting the application of cool 
cloths to the throat well covered with dry. 

There is much liability to mistake the worst symptoms in 
this disease for better. People are apt to think that fever is 
something to dread, and that it consists in external heat, and 
that only. I have been made so anxious when attending cases 
where the danger was great, but because there was no fever, as 
the friends said, it was thought not alarming. 

In diphtheria I have treated cases where there was coldness 
of the surface rather than high fever, and also where there was 
very slight affection of the throat ; yet it was not a mild case, 
but a very bad one. Nausea and vomiting occur Sometimes. 
This will be met as in other cases. Sips of hot water, or even 
free drinking of warm water to produce emesis at first, then 
applications of cool wet cloths to the pit of the stomach. 

Keep diphtheritic patients entirely quiet. Have the room 
well aired, rather cool than warm, and let the atmosphere be 
kept somewhat moist by allowing a dish of water to be kept 



Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs. 137 

boiling, at least to so high a temperature as that pretty rapid 
evaporation may be instituted. 

The wide bandage or half pack may be resorted to in most 
cases with wonderfully pleasing effect. I use the mustard pack 
sometimes. Wring the bandage from strong mustard water. 
This may be kept up about an hour, or until the surface is well 
reddened; then follow with the mere warm, clean bandage. In 
cases where there is coldness of the surface and nausea, this is 
particularly useful. 

Let nature work unhindered, here as ever. The enema may 
be repeated once a day, or at morning and night. Once a day 
a thorough soap and towel bath, adding ammonia to the water, 
hot water, sponging but a portion of the surface at a time, and 
follow this with a thorough rubbing with dry flannel for ten 
minutes. 

Rest— Allow all the rest possible. No food should be given 
until the symptoms decidedly abate. Juices of fruit or lemon 
water without sugar, and crust-tea, hot and clear, may be taken. 

In the daily enema, castile soapsuds, or glycerine, or sweet 
oil may be given. An adult may frequently gargle the throat 
with hot and cold water, alternately. A child will scarcely do 
that, and a neat swab may be substituted. 

Great care should be had in the use of this. I seldom find 
need for it. 

As the case approaches convalescence, watch carefully the 
tendency to overestimate the strength of the patient. 

Enjoin absolute rest and quiet. Do not encourage a child 
to talk or play or "notice things." This is a tax which can- 
not now be well borne. Husband all the vital resources ; they 
are needed. This is a critical period in the case. When food 
is allowed, it must for several days be only bran-gruel, or thin 
rice-gruel, with baked apples, or ripe, fresh fruit in moderate 
allowance. 

If animal food is craved, a small piece of broiled steak (rare 
and masticated well, rejecting the pulp) may be given, but is 
scarcely to be recommended. 

For several weeks, during and even after convalescence, it 
is well to wear the throat compress at night, bathing the throat 
next morning in cold water and rubbing it well. 



138 Woman and Health. 

Also dry rubbing of the whole surface of the body should 
be practiced every morning for weeks following an " attack " 
of this disease. 

Doctor : How often we hear a person who is affected with 
chronic laryngitis, or bronchitis, or pulmonitis, say, " I have 
taken a severe cold," or, " My cold gets worse and worse." In 
fact, in all diseases of debility, the symptoms of " common 
cold " present themselves whenever there has been undue tax 
made on the vital force. 

Now, if the real morbid condition which has become, or is 
likely to become, a permanency, be congestion, how can we so 
exercise vigilance as to avoid this depressing result ? In the 
words of Dr. Reuben, I would say, and this applies to those 
who have already some chronic malady fastened on the sys- 
tem, as well as to the healthy : " The prevention of colds is 
secured by the use of all those means that give strength and endur- 
ance to the general system, a healthy action to the skin, and force to 
the circulation." 

Treatment. 

When the cold is coming on, and the sufferer knows pretty 
well what the sensations are, so as to be able to tell, — when 
there is sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, chilliness, 
feverishness, perhaps a dry cough and difficulty of breathing, — 
there must be removal of everything that tends to tax the vital 
powers. Rest and warmth must be supplied. It is now, when 
in its forming stage, that it can be more easily " broken up " 
than afterward. 

Of course, the case differs with the cause which induces the 
disease. But, in any case, the patient should go to bed ; first 
taking a hot foot-bath of three minutes. Cover well, and drink 
warm water or hot water; and, if perspiration is induced, it 
may be continued for an hour or two. 

It is well to invite this condition by putting hot bottles to 
the feet, the fomenting-bag to the liver, and, if necessary, hot 
bottles to the back ; thus answering the purpose of the vapor 
bath, which is very efficient in these cases. 

After an hour or so a warm or hot sponge-bath may be 
taken, and at the same time a full enema of warm water — 



Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs. 139 

though it is well to take an enema at first, as there is some 
constipation usually — and the free washing out of the bowels 
unloads the system just so much of effete matter. It is an 
internal bath, and quite as useful as one applied to the ex- 
ternal skin. 

There should be no food taken until the symptoms of conva- 
lescence are pretty well established.. By observing this plan, 
the liability to serious diseases which are apt to follow a com- 
mon cold almost, if not quite, entirely disappears. 

Viola: The dry cure is recommended* The patient to 
abstain entirely from drink or fluid food, until the catarrhal 
symptoms have disappeared, which will be in most instances 
in about forty-eight hours. 

Dr. Watson says : "The principle here concerned is that 
of cutting off the supply of watery materials to the blood. 
The wants of the system exhaust from the circulating fluid all that 
cayi be spared for the natural evacuation, and there is nothing left to 
feed the unnatural secretion from the inflamed mucous membrane. 
Its capillary vessels cease to be congested ; the morbid flux is di- 
verted, and the inflammation starved away." 

Doctor: Any one will see that this dry cure has great ad- 
vantages. It is simple, no trouble at all, and sure ; based upon 
physiological fact ; and a person can go about ordinary busi- 
ness while the cure is going on, if necessary. 

Colds. — Acute Catarrh. 

Doctor: " I have taken a cold," " I have a bad cold," " Oh, 
it is only a cold," is easily said, but the fact may induce very 
serious consequences. 

Jidia: The very name, cold, suggests something which is 
very far from the true nature of the malady, perhaps, at least 
from the true nature of its cause. While cold is a cause, it is 
not the only one. 

If a person has lived in a heated atmosphere, has taken but 
little or no exercise, he will have less reactive power, conse- 
quent on the debilitated state of the capillaries of the skin 
and the enfeebled circulation, hence it will take no great degree 
of atmospheric cold or no prolonged exposure to induce acute 
catarrh. One very prolific source of colds is found in the 
manner with which clothing is distributed over the body. 



140 Woman and Health. 

In its inequality in particular, and this is true of women 
more than of men — parts of the body are overburdened with 
clothing, while others are exposed with scarce any protection. 
It is a means by which the circulation is rendered unequal. 

Viola: Coming too suddenly into a heated room after 
exposure to cold will interfere with the reactive powers ; it is 
better to allow the warmth to come gradually. 

Dr. Levi Reuben says : " There is a set of causes which, 
independently of temperature or exposure, produce genuine 
colds, marked by the symptoms, course, and results common 
to these ailments. The most important, because most frequent, 
of these, are repletion and exhaustion from fatigue. 

Repletion, or Plethora. 

A surcharge of the blood with solid or liquid matters through 
the digestive organs is, in this gormandizing age, a far more 
frequent cause of colds than the majority of the sufferers at all 
suspect. The eating mania is the first great weakness of civilized 
races ! The world, having come down to us successively through 
its golden, silver, brazen, and iron ages, seems to be luxuriating 
now in the age of pudding! And very naturally — pardori the 
nauseousness of the truth — the age of pudding is an age of 
pus ; where so much uncalled-for material is crowded into 
human bodies, some of it must find its way out by offensive, 
inconvenient, life-destroying methods. To return : An over- 
full meal, taken at any hour of the day, by at once overtaxing 
and clogging all the operations of life, destroys the balance of 
the circulation, checks the action of the skin, gives rise to fever- 
ishness, and may produce or reawaken a bronchitis, a catarrh, or 
any similar difficulty. 

Fatigue Carried to the Point of Exhaustion 

may produce all the mischiefs commonly ascribed to cold. We 
see this both in cases of positive overwork in a state of compar- 
ative health, and in relative overwork, sometimes extremely 
slight in amount, where disease already exists. 



Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs. 141 

Quinsy. — Inflammatory Sore Throat. — Tonsilitis. 

Doctor: These do not require any separate consideration, 
being about the same in kind and varying much in degree. 
What are the symptoms of quinsy? 

Viola: Quinsy usually makes itself known by difficulty of 
swallowing; dryness of the fauces; general feverishness; often 
decidedly inflammatory fever, severe headache, rapid pulse, etc. 

The throat is more or less affected, according to the severity 
of the attack. Sometimes the patient is unable to swallow, 
the tonsils are so enlarged. The outside of the throat is 
swollen. 

This inflammation terminates itself in resolution or suppur- 
ation; more frequently in the former. When the difficulty of 
swallowing decreases and fever subsides, it may be known that 
suppuration will not take place; but if the inflammation is 
intense (persistently so), the swallowing difficult, breathing 
impeded by the swelling of the tonsils, a pulsating pain is felt 
shooting to the ear ; when there is much external swelling, 
suppuration may be looked for. 

When the abscess bursts, relief is had at once. Sometimes 
the amount of pus is so inconsiderable that it is not noticed, 
except, perhaps, by a fetid, bad taste. This form of sore throat 
is not dangerous, though very painful. 

Treatment. 

Doctor: Apply fomentations to the throat continually, or 
alternating with the cool compress. It is well to bring the 
compress over the ears, fastening it at the top of the head, and 
covering with a large piece of flannel. Sips of hot and cold 
water, and copious drinking of hot water, should be persever- 
ingly followed. 

If fever is high, the warm half pack may be used about two 
hours each day. Follow this with a general soap and hot bath. 

The abdominal bandage may be worn at night. 

Full enema once a day. Entire abstinence from food. 

A hot foot-bath may precede the half pack after the first or 
second day, omitting the general bath unless fever is persistent. 



142 Woman and Health. 

Quiet and rest ; pure air to breathe ; the feet kept warm. 
The treatment for 

Common Sore Throat 

may be less vigorous. Fomentations applied for ten minutes 
at bed time, then put on the cool compress well covered with 
dry flannel. A large quantity of flannel, half an old blanket 
or an old shawl, wrapped about the neck is not too much. 

Here is where mistakes are so often made and good results 
missed. Too lightly covering the compress does not answer 
the intended purpose. Free hot water drinking and abstinence 
from food until the inflammation subsides, if quick recovery is 
desired. A good bath and rubbing of the skin, if fever is 
present, and keeping the bowels well cleared. 

Tonsilitis is about the same thing, and calls for similar 
treatment. 

It is well, after an attack of sore throat, to wear the wet 
compress several nights, washing the throat in cold water next 
morning. This gives tone to the weakened vessels. 

Croup, — Inflammation of the Trachea. 

Doctor: How is this disease characterized? 

Viola: By difficulty of breathing; hoarseness; a ringing 
cough, which, when once heard, will be distinctly remembered; 
the cough is followed by a "crowing inspiration." 

There is inflammatory fever; frequent and hard pulse; thirst. 

The attack is most liable to come on in the night either 
altogether unexpected, or preceded by a cold, sore throat, or 
catarrh. 

Treatment. 

Doctor: Apply to the throat very cold wet cloths, well 
covered with dry. Keep the child in bed. Rub, with the dry 
hand, the back and limbs, and continue this until a hot bath is 
made ready; renewing the cold cloths to the throat every few 
moments. When the room is made very warm, and the bath 
at hand, place the child in the hot water, as hot as can be borne, 
and rub the chest and abdomen and the whole body very 



Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs. 143 

briskly. Add more hot water, and keep the body (ev,en to the 
neck) immersed. 

Have a dry hot sheet ready, in which to wrap and rub dry 
the little patient. If fever is high, now put on the abdom- 
inal bandage wrung from warm water. Cover well with dry 
flannel — a small blanket, or even a good-sized one, is none too 
much. Apply again the cold wet cloth to the throat. Keep 
the teet warm; and, if the breathing is not easier now, foment 
the throat and upper part of the chest for twenty minutes alter- 
nately with the cold compress. 

Pat and rub the back and chest. Manipulate the arms and legs. 
Give drinks of hot water and of cold. Follow the symptoms 
with all "diligence." Do not relax effort until the breathing 
is liberated. If the bowels are not free, give full warm enema. 

If there is tendency to coldness of extremities, give hot foot- 
bath occasionally; also apply dry flannels heated very hot to 
the throat, if they seem more agreeable than the hot fomenta- 
tion. 

Keep the patient in a warm, well-ventilated room. Give 
only baked apple, or toast water, or gruel, as food, until the 
symptoms yield positively. 

Mumps (Parotitis). 

Viola: This disease often prevails epidemically. 

It usually affects children and young persons, and is con- 
tagious. 

The parotid gland swells ; swelling beneath the ear, the 
chin, and all around the neck, deforming the countenance 
curiously. 

It affects one side only sometimes, but usually both. 

The swelling is hot, tender, and painful; the lower jaw can 
scarcely be moved. In about four days the disease begins to 
decline, and usually lasts in all about ten days. 

Sometimes the swelling suddenly becomes transferred to the 
mammae in the female and to the testicle in the male, and may 
oscillate between the throat and the mammae or testicle. 
Metastasis to the brain is known to take place also, but this 
is rare. 



144 Woman and Health. 



Treatment. 



Very little treatment is necessary. Apply warm cloths to 
the swelling; let them be kept on constantly. 

If there is general feverishness, a tepid sponge-bath and 
enema of tepid water. A little gruel or bran-tea as food. 

Keep the patient comfortably warm and quiet. If metas- 
tasis to the parts named occur, a warm sitz-bath or fomen- 
tation to the affected region will give relief. Keep the feet 
warm. 

Should the brain become affected, give very hot sitz and foot 
bath ten minutes. Follow this with enema of hot water. Ap- 
ply cool cloths to the head, or, if more agreeable to the patient, 
warm spongings. Let the patient be kept in bed, and seek to 
induce perspiration by applying bottles of hot water to the back 
and feet, and drinking of hot water. 

In fact, the treatment now should be the same as for inflam- 
mation of the brain. 

Pneumonia. 

Viola: This formidable disease is seen in such a variety of 
symptoms that it would be idle to give more than the general 
signs ; in fact, these are all that is required to meet the indi- 
cations for treatment. It is immaterial, so far as remedial 
measures are concerned, whether the lung is affected in one or 
another portion. The whole membranes become involved, and 
the treatment should be the same. In the largest number of 
cases the commencement of lung fever is marked by chill, fol- 
lowed by fever, and at the same time a sense of oppression in 
the chest. It frequently steals on insidiously — a dry cough at 
first, but soon attended with the characteristic expectoration. 

Pleurisy in some degree is present when there is pain in the 
lung or on one side of the chest; this pain is aggravated by 
cough or a full inspiration, sometimes by turning over in bed 
or pressure on the ribs; and from observation I conclude that 
when there is no sharp pain in the side or chest there is no 
pleurisy. But there is a sense of weight and oppression, some- 
times of heat, on one side or throughout the chest. One lung 
is almost always more affected than the other. Difficult 



Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs. 145 

breathing, hurried respiration, and inability to talk without 
stopping to take breath, may be present, and yet the patient 
will deny having shortness of breath; again, he is wholly occu- 
pied with respiratory efforts. This symptom, laborious breath- 
ing, varies much in degree and kind in different cases. 

The brain is frequently congested in pneumonia — delirium 
also sets in; it is a bad symptom, showing the lack of due 
arterialization of the blood because of the extent of the lung 
affection. 

The character of the expectoration in pneumonia is well 
marked. It is of such viscidity that the vessel containing it 
may be strongly shaken and turned upside down without 
detaching it. The color of the sputa is clear or rust-colored, 
and may remain so for days, when, if the inflammation recede, 
it becomes more like the expectoration of catarrh, and has less 
and less tenacity. 

While these colored and tenacious sputa are peculiar to 
pneumonia, they do not always accompany it. Sometimes the 
expectoration is like that of catarrh, and sometimes there is 
scarcely any at all. 

Typhoid pneumonia is simply congestion in inflammation 
of the lungs, with those symptoms which attend typhoid fever. 
It is not necessary to particularize symptoms here; to know 
how to meet those symptoms is of more practical importance. 

Treatment. 

Doctor : There is so much apprehension felt regarding 
pneumonia that people are liable to do the very worst things 
in their anxiety to find suitable remedies. I hope not to cry 
"peace, when there is no peace," but I would delight to impart 
a feeling of quietude to both patients and friends, and thus 
enable them to work smoothly and trustfully. At the onset, if 
with constitutional febrile symptoms there is local pain or 
oppression of the chest, I would first give a hot foot-bath five 
minutes, during which time drink largely of warm water. 
When the feet are thoroughly rubbed, the patient should be 
put in bed, bottles of hot water placed to the feet, the foment- 
ing-bag on the chest, having a small towel, wrung from hot 
10 



146 Woman and Health. 

water, placed under the bag. Give now hot lemonade or hot 
water to drink. As the fomenter cools, renew the hot water; 
keep this application on the chest for an hour or two. Then, 
if there be no chilliness to prevent, apply a cool compress, 
wrung dry, to the fomented surface, and cover with great 
abundance of dry flannel. Now place the fomenter on the 
liver, where it may remain an hour; it may be moved to the 
spleen or abdomen at times. If the cool compress is not 
entirely grateful, remove it and place a piece of dry hot flannel 
over the chest. For children I often recommend this, and 
entirely discard the compress. The chest, in this case, should 
be rubbed a few moments with the bare hand, dipped in cold 
water. The feet should be kept warm. On removing the 
fomenter, press gently, and rub the liver and abdomen a few 
moments. Give freely to drink of hot water or lemonade, with 
occasional small quantities of cold water, if it is desired. After 
the patient has rested an hour, again apply the fomenting-bag 
to the chest, and let it remain half an hour, when apply dry 
hot flannels on the chest, and foment the liver forty minutes. 
After this, administer a full enema, and manipulate the ab- 
domen while it is retained, placing a folded towel to the anus. 
Repeat this. 

After resting half an hour or so, a hot soap and towel bath 
may be given, or hot sitz and foot bath, which may combine 
the two. Be very careful to have the room quite warm, and the 
patient protected from every possibility of adding to the malady 
by "taking cold." After thoroughly washing and rinsing the 
surface, let a dry sheet be wrapped around the patient, placing 
him in bed and covering immediately. The attendant will now 
rub the whole body and limbs under the covers. 

Manipulations and squeezing and pressure on the lower limbs 
and thighs, and along the spine, are very grateful now and bene- 
ficial. After putting on the night-clothes, the patient should be 
allowed to rest. If the pain is importunate, keep the foment- 
ing-bag on the chest any length of time. 

Bronchial cough and tickling will be relieved by this and by 
sips of hot water. The patient must not talk; must not in any 
way exert himself; must take no food, save very thin gruel or 
bran-tea, or a little nice fruit. Entire fasting is quite as well, 
so long as the lungs are engorged. 



Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs. 147 

I have myself been the subject of very severe attacks of 
pneumonia, and being so situated sometimes that I could have 
no medical aid, or even good nursing, I simply remained in bed, 
had my feet kept warm, drank hot water, applied the fomenter, 
and ate nothing for a week. 

If the brain is congested, apply hot cloths to the spine for 
five minutes, about once in half an hour. If, as is sometimes 
the case with children as well as adults, there is a continued 
tendency to coldness, do not attempt to use the cool com- 
press. 

Give daily injections, always preceded by fomentation, to 
the liver one hour. Abundant rubbings and manipulations are 
useful. As symptoms abate, give less treatment; and now, as 
always, allow abundant rest 

In very severe cases, where there is Coldness and obstruc- 
tion of the lungs, etc., give a hot mustard-bath five minutes, or 
sitz and foot bath, if an adult. A child can be placed in the 
bath so deeply as to cover the chest. Immediately throw a dry 
warm sheet around the body on leaving the bath, and apply 
the hot fomentations to the chest. Dry rubbings to the chest 
are leading remedial measures. Sweet oil may be put on the 
skin, so as to prevent irritation from rubbing. Drinking of slip- 
pery-elm tea or flax-seed tea is admissible. The convalescent 
should be cautioned against making exertion of mind or body 
for several days after he feels well, and should live on simple 
fruits and grains. 

The chest should be daily rubbed with dry flannel; in fact, 
a dry rubbing of the whole surface will aid in restoring lost 
balance. 



148 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

ACUTE STOMACH AND BOWEL AFFECTIONS. 

Acute Gastritis — Inflammation of the Stomach. 

Viola: A burning pain is felt in the stomach; vomiting, 
especially if anything, even a spoonful of water, is received into 
the stomach, hiccough and tenderness in the upper part of the 
abdomen. The fever attendant on these local symptoms is, I 
believe, always of a low type, small pulse, and becomes thready 
and feeble. The whole muscular system is depressed, the 
patient pale and faint, the features collapsed, extremities cold, 
the skin cool and damp. The breathing is short and con- 
strained; there is the appearance of great anxiety and restless- 
ness. The sufferer begs for drink, and if it is given, it is 
almost instantly rejected by vomiting. 

The bowels are constipated generally, though sometimes 
diarrhoea sets in, with griping and tenesmus. 

Treatment. 

Doctor: This disease is rapid in its progress. It must be 
met with promptness; there is no time for vacillation or experi- 
ment. At the same time the treatment is simple, and is liable 
to take effect early. Apply cold cloths to the stomach. Fold 
the cloth in six or eight thicknesses and about four inches 
square. Place this at the "pit of the stomach." Apply the 
fomenting-bag, or flannels wrung from hot water, to the 
abdomen for an hour. Frequently change the cold cloths. 
Let the patient lie down. Have the legs and feet rubbed with 
hot cloths. Wrap them in hot dry flannels. Allow no drink. 
When the nausea is somewhat abated, a spoonful of hot water 
or hot crust-tea may be given at first. Let half an hour pass 
before any more fluid is given. Flannel cloths wrung from 



Acute Stomach and Bowel Affections. 149 

strong mustard water and applied hot, as a half pack, well 
covered with dry flannel, may be resorted to when the patient 
seems to sink, and the surface grows cooler, while the intense 
thirst still remains. This half pack may be kept on until 
general redness of the surface is shown ; then, on removal, a 
soap and water wash-off. Have a spoonful of ammonia in the 
water. Let only a part of the surface be subjected to the wash- 
ing and rubbing at one time. 

Continue to foment the abdomen half an hour out of each 
hour, and once in four hours give full enema of very warm 
water, until the nausea and vomiting subside. 

At any time when these symptoms abate, and the patient is 
inclined to rest, do not allow him to be disturbed, even to have 
treatment. It is hard to deny one drink when so tormented 
with thirst, but I believe it should be done. Never give cold 
drink in these cases. The application of cold cloths to the 
stomach may be continued at the same time the hot fomenta- 
tions are given to the abdomen and liver. Thin gum arabic 
water may be given, a teaspoonful at a time, cool, not cold, 
when it is found that the hot water is retained. Be very 
cautious in the beginning to allow no fluids taken on the 
stomach. 

The convalescence is troublesome, in that a little too much 
of even the most appropriate food will be hazardous. 

A little mutton-broth, removing all the g] ease, and bran- 
gruel added to this, is generally well received. If the case has 
run very low, a little nutriment may be given once in four 
hours during the day — none at night. This should soon be 
superseded by the three regular times of eating as in health. 
If the patient be an adult, let rare beefsteak be masticated, 
the juices alone swallowed, and unleavened crackers, made of 
sifted Graham flour and cold water, rolled very thin like 
wafers, well baked and crisp. Let no fluids be taken within an 
hour of such a meal. 

Sub-acid fruits cooked, or very ripe fruits, rather the juices, 
are grateful. Let the mind be kept cheerful, but have no tax 
on it in any way. Quiet of both mind and body is imperative. 



150 Woman and Health. 

Enteritis — Inflammation of the Bowels. 

Viola: Pain in the abdomen; vomiting; obstinate constipa- 
tion; tenderness on pressure of the abdomen. 

The pulse soon becomes small and wiry; the abdomen swells 
and becomes tympanitic; the intellect is usually clear. 

This differs from colic in some symptoms, while they have 
much in common. In colic, the patient finds relief from pres- 
sure; in change of position, too, he gets into twisted and prone 
attitudes; while in inflammation the patient lies on the back 
mostly, knees drawn up, and if he moves at all, it is only the 
legs and arms; the body is fixed. 

Treatment. 

Doctor: Foment the abdomen one hour, after which give 
small enema — about one quart of warm water. 

Then repeat the fomentation half an hour; follow this with 
the cool compress, covered with dry flannel. Free drinking of 
warm water, slightly acidulated with lemon. The feet placed 
in a hot bath of mustard water five minutes; rub dry. 

In two hours after the first enema is given, it may be 
repeated, using as hot water as can be received. The abdomen 
need not be manipulated. When this passes off, a cooler one 
may be given, to be retained as long as possible. 

The half pack may now be used, if there is general fever, 
and the surface hot and dry rather than cool and clammy. It 
may be continued one hour. Follow this by general sponging 
in hot water, and thorough rubbing and manipulating of the 
lower limbs. These manipulations are very beneficial in inflam- 
mations of the viscera. Persevere in the use of fomentations and 
cool compress, as local measures, also the full enema. 

It will be obvious, when we glance at a few of the causes of 
this affection, that the full injection would be especially indi- 
cated in these cases, particularly after relaxation is produced 
by the fomentation. 

Among the causes are "hardened faecal matters, concre- 
tions in the intestines." 

Dr. Watson says: " Persons who are in the habit of taking 
magnesia or chalk, to relieve acidity and heartburn, are liable 



Acute Stomach and Bowel Affections. 151 

to have these substances accumulate and become indurated in 
the intestines. They generally begin to collect, I believe, 
around some accidental nucleus, and such a nucleus may very 
readily be supplied." 

I have instructed people not to swallow the seed of grapes, 
and for the same reason. 

Carditis — Inflammation of the Heart. 

Doctor: This disease is so complicated with acute rheu- 
matism that it seems scarcely a distinct affection. It is sur- 
prising how almost universally the subjects of this disease have 
at the time, or previously had, some form of rheumatism. 

This is a very interesting subject to the student of pathology; 
but for all practical purposes, so far as treatment is concerned, 
I need here only give the general symptoms. 

At first there is a general appearance of distress to the 
countenance — not the anxious look of typhoid fever. I can 
hardly describe it. There is a feeling of oppression in the 
region of the stomach; breathing is irregular; a catch and dry 
cough; the patient cannot lie on the left side; pain in the 
region of the heart, increased by full inspiration; the left 
shoulder is stiff and painful, even the whole left arm is affected; 
there is furious delirium sometimes, and again it is mild, but 
the brain is not apparently affected. There is general fever, 
if the disease is not an accompaniment of rheumatism. 

All of these symptoms are not likely to be present in any 
one case. It is difficult of diagnosis. 

Treatment. 

To save space, as well as trouble of repetition, I would refer 
to pneumonia, giving the same treatment, if the disease occur 
somewhat distinct from rheumatism. Also to inflammatory 
rheumatism, if it be an accompaniment of that disorder, treat- 
ing the special complication as a local inflammation. 

Cholera Infantum. 

There is such an amount of mortality among children, pro- 
duced by this affection, that I feel it should have rather ex- 



152 Woman and Health. 

tended description. It is endemic in all large cities, if not in 
the country, and children from four months to two years are its 
marked subjects. 

Viola: The "second summer" of an infant's life is con- 
sidered one of great peril, and justly so, as during the first 
period of teething this complaint is liable to " seek the young 
child's life." It is marked at first by profuse diarrhoea, the dis- 
charges very light color, and fluid sometimes pale yellow or 
green; severe irritability of the stomach ensues, everything 
taken into the stomach being rejected immediately. 

After a short time the discharges from the bowels are a 
colorless and inodorous fluid, discharged without the least 
effort, but there is some tenesmus. The vomiting may be dis- 
continued while the discharges from the bowels continue or 
even increase, the irritability of the whole" intestinal canal being 
so great as to cause whatever is taken as food or drink to pass 
off rapidly without changing at all. The subject of this disease 
becomes languid and prostrate, even a few hours after its 
onset, and emaciation takes place so rapidly as to surprise all 
who have not before seen such cases. The pulse from the 
beginning is quick and often tense, the skin is very dry, the 
head and abdomen are hot, while the extremities are cold. 
The thirst is intense, " the child suffers pain in the abdomen, 
as is indicated by its fretfulness, low moaning cries, frequent 
change of posture, the drawing up of its knees, and its occa- 
sional acute screams." 

This disease is apt to be protracted and pass on to more 
severe stages, the bowels becoming tender; their discharges, 
which continue to be frequent and profuse, are dark-colored 
and very offensive, the surface of the body cool and clammy, 
and extreme emaciation ensues. 

Treatment. 

The little child must be nursed back to health. No de- 
cidedly medical treatment is necessary. Ascertain the cause, 
and remove that, if possible. If the cause be mainly in the 
atmosphere, remove the child from that locality first. But if 
that be impracticable, there is no need to despair of the case; 



Acute Stomaci h and Bowel Affections. 153 

bring about the next best possible conditions. A daily, or twice 
daily, dry rubbing of the whole surface for ten minutes — per- 
haps night and morning. The feet kept warm by wrapping 
in dry, heated flannels, a bandage wrung from warm water 
worn over the abdomen almost constantly, removing it at very 
early morning, and substituting a dry flannel bandage, to be 
worn until about 9 or 10 o'clock a. m., when a warm bath may 
be given, once in two days. Full enema of warm water may 
be given following the third movement of the bowels; this may 
be retained a time. Thin bran-tea made warm may be used 
instead of clear water. The child must be kept quiet, allowed 
to sleep at all times when sleep can be induced. If there is 
evidence of pain in the abdomen, apply soft flannel cloths 
wrung from hot water and well covered. Give a teaspocnful 
of hot water at a time, occasionally the same of cold crust-tea 
or cool bran-tea. If the child is nursing, let the mother live 
on simple, wholesome food, good unbolted bread, and good 
fruit, with a sparing use of meat once a day, if that is the habit. 
I do not recommend the use of meat. All the conditions of 
health should be observed by the mother, and for very obvious 
reasons. The milk is a secretion which is particularly affected 
by the state of the general nutritive and nervous system. 

Bran-gruel, strained through a thin gauze cloth and added to 
good milk, equal parts, may be used as food if the child is not 
nursing. Toast-water also. I would observe regularity as to 
time of giving food; let the weakened, irritated stomach have 
its periods of repose. Once in four hours, during the day, is 
about the proper interval for giving the patient food. Keep 
the child in the open air; in the little carriage is better than 
in the nurse's arms. Let the sun shine on it, not on the face 
and head, but let the sun shine on it. Always, even if the 
weather be hot, have a fire in the room where the dry rubbing 
is given, or when the bath is given. And at early morning 
also have a little fire lighted in the room, even if the windows 
are open. 

I could recount numerous instances where the case was 
thought entirely hopeless — it certainly appeared so — when 
careful hygienic nursing brought the little sufferer back to life. 
I believe it important that all the attendants be hopeful and 



154 Woman and Health. 

trustful; this affects the whole atmosphere about the patient. 
I have frequently dismissed mothers from the room where their 
sick child was cared for, knowing their influence to be depress- 
ing, because of the despair and hopelessness exhibited. This 
will not do. Children are killed by it. Women who are mothers 
must know they Fhould be heroes in times of need like this. 

DlARRHCEA. 

Doctor: Diarrhoea, as we have seen, is a frequent attendant 
on other diseases. But it is also frequently the main symptom 
of the illness we are called upon to treat. There are several 
varieties of this disease, but as the treatment is substantially 
the same, it is not necessary to give other than a sketchy 
glance. 

The symptoms of diarrhoea are well known to all persons, I 
presume. " There are often nausea, flatulence, griping pains of 
the bowels, succeeded by stools of unnatural appearance and 
odor, and of watery consistence. There are often also a furred 
tongue and a foul breath; but the disorder is attended with 
little or no fever; the pulse remains of the ordinary frequency, 
and the temperature of the body does not rise." 

These cases have irritated mucous surfaces of the bowels, 
caused by, perhaps, improper food as to quality or quantity, 
which produces the effect of slightly irritant poison; for what- 
ever of food is not used, though it be of proper quality, will, 
because of excessive quantity, produce such effect. Then, as 
the alvine evacuations are more frequent, loose, and watery 
than usual, they are so because the secretions are poured into 
the intestines more copiously than is natural; the peristaltic mo- 
tions are more strong and active, producing more frequent dis- 
charges, and evidently these efforts are those which the sys- 
tem sets up to get rid of the offending substances, be they from 
whatever source. Full enema of hot or warm water, followed 
by full one of cool, is the first thing to be done. If there is 
nausea, drink copiously of warm water to produce emesis, then 
place a cool cloth to the pit of the stomach. Hot fomentations 
to abdomen will relieve gripings. After each operation, give 
enema of warm or hot water; when this passes off, a small cool 



Acute Stomach and Bowel Affections. 155 

one may be given to be retained, if there is much tenesmus. 
Otherwise this is not necessary. Only toast-water, rice-gruel, 
or bran-tea should be taken as food. 

Dysentery. 

Doctor: The difference between this and diarrhoea is plain 
enough, but some of the worst forms of dysentery commence 
with diarrhoea. 

Viola: Inflammation of the rectum and descending colon 
is a prominent feature of dysentery. There are griping pains 
and frequent fluid evacuations; but in diarrhoea they are faecal, 
while in dysentery there is discharge of mucus and blood, and 
the faeces are retained, or expelled from time to time in little 
hardened lumps. 

There is in a simple form of dysentery but little fever, and 
it needs only that the patient rest — abstain from food, and take 
an occasional enema of cool water. 

But unfortunately, this disease asserts itself with more sever- 
ity. The pain is severe, fever runs high, the tongue is coated, 
headache and thirst, chilliness occurs. There is more or less 
tenderness of the abdomen and pain on pressure. The sensa- 
tion as if there were excrement to be passed is a constant an- 
noyance, and the irresistible impulse to go to stool, and strain 
violently, is followed by no relief of the irritation. 

There are two kinds of dysentery, commonly known as the 
bloody flux, when bloody mucus is discharged, and dysenteria- 
alba, when a jelly-like white mucus only is voided. 

" Frequently the ejected mucus is variegated in color; green 
or black, or reddish like the washings of meat, and horribly 
fetid." "Sometimes pain and difficulty in making water are 
added; there is dysuria, the irritation of the rectum being re- 
flected upon the bladder and lower portion of the spinal cord. 
Sometimes the stomach sympathizes, and nausea and vomiting 
ensue." 

With all this local suffering there is a continuance of febrile 
distress; the patient passes sleepless or dreamy and disturbed 
nights, and is low-spirited and desponding. 

Ulceration of the bowels is a common attendant on these 
cases. 



156 Woman ami Health. 

Treatment. 

Doctor: The hot sitz-bath fifteen minutes, having the feet 
kept warm at the time by placing them on a jug of hot water, 
or on a hot brick. While in the bath the abdomen and liver 
should be gently manipulated by an attendant — a few sips of 
hot water taken every five minutes — the head cooled. 

After the bath, and a thorough dry rubbing, place the 
fomenter over the abdomen, and allow it to remain forty min- 
utes. Removing this, apply the wet bandage, wrung from warm 
water, and cover well with dry flannel. 

After each movement of the bowels, give a tepid or warm 
injection, first at the onset of the symptoms, either before or 
after the sitz-bath, clearing well the intestines by very full enema 
of hot soapsuds. When the injection passes off, it should 
always be retained as long as possible; give a gill of cool water 
to be retained. 

Repeat the fomentation of forty minutes, about once in two 
hours. If pain continue severe, it may be resorted to oftener. 
Also the sitz-bath. This may be used two or three times a day, 
if necessary. The patient should remain as quiet as possible; 
drink toast-water, or bran-tea only, as food. 

Hot water may be drank, and occasional sips of cold water. 

Apply the fomentations first to the liver and abdomen, then 
to the back, if there is much distress and tenesmus. 

Manipulate the thighs and lower limbs every two or three 
hours, if the patient is restless; but always allow entire quiet 
whenever it can be had. 

The tendency to frequent stool should be suppressed so far 
as it can be done. Very hot foot-baths of five minutes, given 
at times when there is pain " down the legs," as the patient 
often expresses it, will relieve and soothe. The liver may re- 
ceive thorough manipulation occasionally after the fomentation 
is discontinued for a time. 

As to food, very little can be given to advantage; in fact, so 
long as the severe symptoms are present, nothing more than 
bran-tea, or gruel, or toast-water. The convalescence must be 
carefully conducted. A little mutton-broth, and bran-gruel, 
and nice ripe fruit, rather the juices of fruit; all seeds of ber- 
ries should be rejected now. 



Acute Stomach and Bowel Affections. 157 

The patient should be kept warm, and breathe pure air 
night and day, and must avoid all things which tend to excite 
or exhaust the nervous system. A convalescence must not be 
forced. 



158 Woman ami Health. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

COMMON CHRONIC AILMENTS. 

Doctor: There are various chronic ailments connected more 
or less with uterine derangement, and while it is not profitable 
to imbibe the miasm of symptoms of disease, existing con- 
ditions seem to call upon us to give them at least a " passing 
notice." 

Pulmonary Consumption 

heads the list. To gain anything of practical use to those who 
are looked upon as incurable, we must know that incurability 
is by no means a fact of this disorder ; and then acquaint our- 
selves with its supporting factors, so as to know what and how 
to withhold. If it can be left unsupported, that will be greatly 
in advance towards prevention and cure. 

Says Dr. Latham : " Pulmonary consumption is no more 
than a fragment of a great constitutional malady. But that 
malady plays its part most conspicuously in the lungs." Dr. 
Gully says: " Tubercle is never deposited unless there has been, 
and is, disordered assimilation of food. There never yet was 
tubercular deposit with a sound digestion." These facts have 
a highly practical value for persons who are suspected of having 
tendencies towards consumption or bronchitis. 

Digestion will be considered and all its conditions ; also 
whatever of social habits, employments, mental states, etc., 
affects the expression of vital power. Increase breathing 
capacity and digestive power, and consumptive tendencies are 
robbed of support. Incipient consumption is thus made 
curable, and the fatal event of advanced consumption may be 
postponed indefinitely. Even after the formation of a cavity, 
the reduction of congestion and return of functional power to 
the organs holds the case unaffected to any serious degree by 
the imperfect lung. 



Common Chronic Ailments. 159 

Viola: What is to be done in these cases? I would sup- 
pose the digestive power must first be brought up; but how? 

Doctor: By giving it something to work for. Fortify the 
system by supplying good food, abundant facility for its 
assimilation, by employing passive exercise, mechanical mas- 
sage, allowing freedom of every muscle, cultivating deep ab- 
dominal breathing; never allow stomach or chest encroached 
upon by improper stooping position. Say no to appetite. 
Poor, craving, dyspeptic stomach; gnawing, sinking, grinding, 
begging for something to eat — for a poultice of victuals ; give 
it only a drink of pure hot water. That will relieve the discom- 
fort. Eat enough, but not too much, not an ounce too much. 
Work out of doors, in the earth; let the sun shine upon you and 
about you. In the house the sun must have access to your 
room and bed. Clothes worn at night should be daily aired 
and sunned. Take up carpets and live on bare floors ; rugs 
placed before the bed and at other places to step on, may be 
used, for these can readily be put out to air and become purified, 
while the floor is treated to a good washing. 

Can you forget yourself? Become absorbed in something 
outside of the miasmatic atmosphere into which your ailments 
would plunge body and soul. Learn of the healing power, of 
the God-power within, of life, which is not generated or dis- 
coverable in the good food you select or the good treatment 
you may take, but ever flows from the All-Life. These things 
you do because so commanded by the laws which rightly relate 
your organism and food and treatment to each other. Through 
these acts of obedience and faith 

"The Immortal Sap of a Divine Life" 

is invited to " circulate through the minutest twig and leaf of 
your tree of life." This life is pressing to enter every avenue 
you unclose. Do nothing in thought or act, then, to shut out 
life; but rather give it free access to all the departments of 
your being. This is recognized as the vis medicatrix natures- of 
medical schools, which, succeeding all the hinderances imposed 
by anti-vital agents, is depended upon to restore the patient. 
How much more certain is restoration under circumstances 



160 Woman and Health. 

which favor every expression of the life force and act in unison 
with it? Be cheerful, ailing one. Climb up into the higher 
rooms ; think higher thoughts ; do from higher motives, and 
blessings of the Highest are securely yours. 

Liver Derangements — Biliousness. 

Viola: I learn it is scarcely possible to find the stomach, 
lungs, brain, bowels, blood, etc., diseased, while the liver remains 
true to the right performance of its office. And why? The 
nerves which supply the stomach, etc, also branch to the liver, 
and the same mucous membrane which lines the inner surfaces, 
and forms the great external covering of the body, enters into 
and extends throughout all the bile-secreting recesses of the 
body. 

Doctor: And that fact accounts for the general demoralized 
feelings of the subject when bilious attacks come on. No part 
of the frame has exemption. You may name some special 
features of liver complaint. 

Jidia: From my experience. Pain under the shoulder- 
blade, and on top of the right shoulder especially; a sense of 
tenseness in the right side, aggravated sometimes by breathing; 
a short, dry cough; inability to lie on the left side; great depres- 
sion of spirits, apprehension, and dread of impending evil. 
Frequent bilious attacks; cured(?), and finally medicine fails 
to excite the liver to action. 

Doctor: Your " bilious attacks " were an effort to eliminate 
from the blood materials the stomach and liver recognized as 
hurtful. An unusual amount of blood, congestion, was present 
in these organs. Nature's method of providing a free flow of 
mucus and bile relieved these distended vessels by forcing out 
the mucus and bile in great quantities, as is seen in bilious vom- 
iting and diarrhoea. This is not a normal condition; it is not 
physiological, but remedial action, tending towards physiological 
action, by eliminating these offensive products of defective 
assimilation. The indication is to assist 

Nature to Eliminate, 

not by attracting more blood to the already oppressed organs, 
but by diversion towards other eliminating organs — the skin, 
lungs, kidneys, bowels. 



Common Chronic Ailments. 161 



Treatment for Bilious Attacks, Sick Headache, Etc. 

Unload, eliminate, remove obstructions, and let nature have 
a chance to reconstruct. First, cut off supplies. Secondly, 
improve the opportunity to devote energy to purposes which 
aid in this eliminative work. If the head aches, take a hot 
foot-bath five minutes, during which time drink freely of hot 
water. After rubbing the feet dry, go to bed, place fomenter 
over the liver, and let it remain an hour. Should nausea and 
vomiting ensue, drink freely, and wash out the stomach. 
Warm water will, it is known, incite to vomiting, while sips of 
hot water are liable to quiet the stomach. Clear well the bowels 
with very full enema of hot water, or very warm; put on abdom- 
inal bandage, and return to bed. Soothing appliances of cool, 
hot, or cold wet cloths to the head, and something hot to the 
feet, if cold. Rest an hour or so, as long as at all comfortable. 
If symptoms persist, meet them with equal determination, until 
they are undermined. A hot sitz and foot bath is agreeable, if 
convenient, but the fomentation, with a soap and towel bath, 
usually answers as well. Drink unlimited quantities of hot 
water; add lemon-juice, if you like. Eat nothing until complete 
subsidence of the symptoms show that food, in small amount 
and of simple kind, may be gradually approached. Rest, and 
be patient and trustful, knowing this is the best " happening " 
that could come to you under the circumstances, and that such 
a course of treatment leaves you clean, and hints at such die- 
tetic and general habits as will allow the system to remain pure 
and unobstructed. 

Bilious Colic 

should be met with about the same energy as another liver 
complaint; very distressing, and often very dangerous. 

Passing of Gall Stones. 

Relax the whole abdominal region; apply hot wet cloths, 

the fomenter over these, and all covered with dry flannel. 

Drink of warm water freely, persevere in these applications, as 

hot as the patient can endure. Soon as the pain subsides, so as to 

11 



162 Woman and Health. 

admit of it, have the enema given, very full, and be sure to work 
the water well up in the colon. Hot fomentations between the 
shoulders, also, while the abdomen and liver are under the 
fomenter. Avery good plan, where the second fomenter is not 
at hand, is to wrap bricks in damp cloths and apply to the spine. 
A jug full of hot water, the cork well secured, is convenient for 
that purpose. Very hot foot and leg bath of ten minutes, 
adding hot water to the last, and at the same time keeping the 
fomenter on the abdomen or liver, and drinking hot water, is 
about as good as a vapor-bath, and generally more likely to 
be available. Both these conditions are but paroxysms attend 
ing liver complaint. 

In Enlarged or Engorged Liver 

a great amount of oxygen is demanded, and quite liable not to 
be supplied, for lack of the call for it by the sluggish tissues. 
So a sort of arousing, exchanging, set-a-going line of curative 
proceedings should be joined with the more soothing, relaxing 
measures also indicated. Up to the limit of strength, active 
exercise, daily, in open air or well-ventilated rooms, must be 
taken, resting when too weary, but up and at it again, as though 
weariness were unknown. This is a tax on the will power, but 
useful. Rub the liver half an hour every night and morning 
with dry flannel, rub pretty vigorously. Wear the bandage over 
the liver every night, if this can be borne without chilliness. 
Drink hot water within an hour of eating, and in place of supper. 
Two meals, and the food scrupulously healthful. 

Take No Animal Food, 

not even eggs, butter, cheese, milk or cream. Use whole-wheat 
flour bread, grits, and fruits ; vegetables sparingly. In consti- 
pation, use the fomenter over the liver twenty minutes daily, 
and clear the bowels with full enema, following with a cool one, 
of about a gill, retained. Massage, or voluntary movements, 
should form a part of every day's treatment, and the one who 
undertakes home cure would need to consult Dr. George H. 
Taylor's books on Movement-Cure and Massage. Mechanical 
massage wields a power here not reached by any one other 



Common Chronic Ailments. 163 

medical agent. It is a most lordly factor, to which all the 
others are compelled to make obeisance ; and with a correct 
dietary, nourishing, sustaining, pure and right mental and 
spiritual attitudes, who may not justly claim a cure? Voluntary 
labor, " obsolete gymnastics," must take the place of indolence, 
inertness, and " a folding of the hands." Use up the surplus 
stock on hand, and do not add to the excess; keep up an even 
balance, just enough nutritive material for use, none for clogging 
the wheels; develop strength by diverting the vital currents to 
their natural channels, and in the bright sunlight grow toward 
health and happiness. The beautiful doctrine of the 4< unity of 
disease" is nowhere more verified than in these derangements, 
and the unity of cure follows as a consequent. The best chance 
of recovery lies in doing the things which advance the interests 
of the whole vital domain. Local measures, as suggested, to 
affect certain parts, are useful, but the general, efficient plan of 
treatment means simply, "Cease to do evil; learn to do well." 

Hemorrhoids, or Piles. 

This is not a primary affection, but is dependent upon some 
other organ, most generally the liver; as from whatever cause 
the blood, which should circulate freely through the liver, is 
obstructed, piles ensue. Bilious people have piles. Naturally, 
the blood from the whole abdomen circulates through the 
liver, passing through that great organ very freely; and you 
readily understand what must be the result of any preventing 
circumstance arising, causing obstruction of the passage, and 
necessarily allowing the blood to gravitate towards the lower 
parts of the digestive canal, thus resulting in congestion of the 
rectum, and this is "blind" piles, accompanied with its attend- 
ant symptoms, heat and pain. When the inflammation ends in 
the tissues, about the edge of the anus, the protrusion causes 
inconvenience, and is aggravated according as the digestion is 
disturbed. 

Viola: The congested veins sometimes enlarge and pro- 
trude, swelling, giving heat and pain, and sometimes bleeding; 
this is called bleeding piles. 

Julia: What a relief this bleeding is to the engorged 
tissues; but the mischief about the liver and stomach will soon 



164 Woman and Health. 

make occasion for another bleeding. Constipation is often 
present; but while it is thought to be a cause, it is probably 
rather a concomitant of the disorder; for what causes consti- 
pation causes piles. 

I would not suppose any case incurable, unless it was sym- 
pathetic with a disorganized liver or lungs, or organic disease 
of the heart; even then much relief and comfort can be afforded 
the sufferer. Hygienic treatment is infallible for piles. 

Doctor: Treat this as a symptomatic disorder. What will 
cure indigestion, liver disease, any form of malnutrition, will 
cure piles. Uterine disease, also, must not remain if piles are 
to be cured. 

Mechanical Massage is Almost " Magical." 

As a palliative, take hot zvater injections — hot. Retain this 
as long as possible, and after it is passed off and a short rest is 
had, inject a gill of cool water, about 8o°, in which put a spoon- 
ful of glycerine as a " cleanser;" better than soap. Retain this 
entirely. Foment the liver daily for one hour. Wear the 
abdominal bandage every night. 

There are ways of preventing piles, and incipiency is 
the time to begin their cure. Prevent them by preventing 
dyspepsia, of course. At stool there should be no straining 
whatever. There is a way of centering the will on this function, 
and any one may practice that. Twisting the body from right 
to left, and reverse, is often found an aid to evacuations that 
are tardy. After a movement of the bowels, weak women 
should always lie flat on the face for a few moments, or at least 
sit quietly. This habit of waiting a while after a movement 
is a good one for well people. Always press back any pro- 
trusion that follows evacuation ; press firmly with a wad of 
soft paper. And where small, but painful, protrusions are 
pretty constant, take several opportunities through the day for 
lying on the back, knees spread apart, and with a towel wrung 
from warm water press back these, hold them; shake out the 
cloth, or wring it from cold water now, and press firmly against 
the anus. You will help to relieve the vessels, and pain will 
disappear. With care, and applying to the right sources, there 
need be no distress from piles. The rectum ought to be cleared, 



Common Chronic Ailments. 165 

when faeces are tardy or hardened, by a small enema after the 
passage. There are some articles of food which are like poison 
in these cases of piles : one is white flour bread, or biscuit ; 
another, tea; sweets, also, and fats. But we are dealing with 
dyspepsia in this affection, and must look to that as the prime 
malady. 

Dyspepsia. 

A pitiable overtaxed burden-bearer is the stomach. Sick 
or well, its action is demanded unceasingly. We allow our 
arms, hands, legs, feet, backs, and heads to rest when they cry out 
too imploringly, but if the stomach, weary and worn, gives hint 
of fatigue or exhaustion, it must be whipped into extra labor. 
Send to it the lash of stimulation. Bring to bear all the weap- 
ons which promise to goad the failing tissues. If food in the 
stomach fails to undergo the proper changes, and acid eructa- 
tions ensue, a dose of soda will sweeten the mass and make 
inroads upon the mucous lining of that organ, so another con- 
dition ensues — torpidity or loss of tone. Stimulants, spices, 
condiments, etc., will now be resorted to. These failing after 
a short time to excite the gastric glands to greater action, and 
still the quantity and quality of food is presented to that organ 
for disposal, it takes up a very important and effective means, 
namely, vomiting. This has given relief to many an overbur- 
dened stomach by emptying it of its load, thus preventing the 
development of further destructive changes within its domain, 
which cause irritation and permanently diseased conditions. 
Doubtless this effort of nature to rid the system of these abnor- 
mal products, this fermented mass, has rescued many a one 
who scarcely deserved such merciful consideration at her hands, 
because a little self-control or simple obedience to well-known 
laws would have prevented the necessity for such relief. 

Constipation 

is a part of dyspepsia, either mucous or nervous, and is cured 
through measures effective in overcoming the primary com- 
plaint. 

Viola: There is a hypothesis extant that when food is not 
digested it decays in the stomach, and the substances into 



166 Woman and Health. 

which it is converted are poisonous, butyric acid, for instance, a 
poison always present in rancid butter, and this becomes reab- 
sorbed into the blood, poisoning it. The same when constipa- 
tion admits of too long retention of faecal matters in the colon, 
they are a source of blood impurity, as is demonstrated by bad 
taste, fetid breath, etc. The other eliminative organs doing 
vicarious work. 

Doctor: I will not enumerate symptoms at length. It has 
a tendency to fix in the mind erroneous notions, not the least 
of which is that every symptom must have its antidote. Fail- 
ing appetite indicates tonics, more food; if appetite exceeds 
the power of digestion, great quantities of food are eagerly con- 
sumed in the hope to overcome failure of strength and mental 
power. Something to take, for every new and old symptom, 
and as surely new causes planted. It were better to know a 
few facts. 

For instance, it is ?iot the amount one eats that gives power to 
the system, but the capacity for using nutritive material for 
developing energy. Introducing more food through the diges- 
tive organs, more nutriment matter than is bidden by the organs 
of expenditure, is a damage, even if that food were the most 
suited to support the powers of the vital system. As to 

Treatment for Dyspepsia, 

Dr. Watson says there are a few simple rules which ought 
always to be kept in mind in our treatment of dyspepsia, 
although we can seldom enforce them as they ought to be en- 
forced upon our patients. What patients want, in general, is 
some medicine that will relieve them from their discomfort and 
uneasy feelings, and allow them, at the same time, to go on in 
the indulgence of those habits which have generated the dis- 
comfort. And such remedies have not yet been discovered. One 
great and indispensable principle in the treatment of indi- 
gestion, is that of restricting the quantity of food at any one 
time. The gastric juice is probably secreted in tolerably uni- 
form quantities. The muscular contractions of the stomach 
must needs be impaired or impeded by such distention of that 
organ. For both these reasons the amount of food introduced 



Common Chronic Ailments. 167 

into the stomach should be kept within the limits of its capacity 
and powers, and these limits are transgressed if an uneasy sense 
of fullness is produced by the meal. 

Dr. Beaumont's observations led him to the conclusion that, 
within certain definite limits, the supply of the gastric men- 
struum was exactly regulated by the demand for it. So much 
aliment evoked so much gastric juice, but the amount of the latter 
was never greater than the measure of the requirements of the frame ; 
and, therefore, that whenever the food exceeded that measure, 
a portion of it remained undissolved, and even disturbed the 
due digestion of the rest. 

Again, as Dr. Ambercrombie has well remarked, and as Dr. 
Beaumont actually saw, various articles of food are soluble in 
the stomach with various degrees of readiness. Therefore, 
when the digestion is easily liable to be impaired, it is of great 
importance not only to refrain from those substances which are 
known to be difficult of solution, but also to avoid mixing in 
the stomach different substances which are of different degrees 
of solubility. Hence, there are two reasons why it is salutary 
to dine off one dish : First, because we avoid the injurious ad- 
mixture just adverted to ; and, secondly, because we escape 
that appetite and desire to eat too large a quantity which is 
provoked by new and various flavors. 

And another and very important principle, greatly insisted 
on by Dr. Abernethy, is that the stomach should have 

Time to Perform One Task 

before another is imposed upon it. He always made his 
patients, at least, he always strongly exhorted them, to inter- 
pose not less than six hours between one meal and another; 
allowing from three to five hours for the digestion of a meal, 
and one hour over for the stomach to rest in. Dr. Abernethy's 
rule seems as much founded in reason as it is justified by expe- 
rience. But we preach in vain on these topics. 

Julia: How beautifully adapted to the coming "to the 
help of the Lord" are the hygienic remedial methods. They 
are the natural, divinely-appointed means of bringing about a 
return of "unity of spirit and bond of peace" in the physical 



168 Woman and Health. 

organism, which shows that obstructions in the way of the heal- 
ing power within are removed, and health, wholeness, harmony 
are enabled once more to pervade the whole being. 

Doctor: Prominent and leading among these methods is 
Remedial Motion. Dr. Blundell says: " It looks to the inherent 
vital forces as the 

Mainspring of Every Active Movement 

and function of the organism, and it essays alone to remove 
what might be almost called inorganic impediments to the free 
course of those forces." 

Applied to the " case in question," what is the usual and 
almost essential condition of the digestive organs in any form 
of chronic ailment? 

Viola: Sluggishness, which is caused by a slow and faulty 
demand on the part of the general system for nutriment. 

Doctor: What is the natural incentive to digestion? 

Jidia: The supply of material necessary to support the 
active tissues of the body of whatever kind — brain, muscle, etc. 

Doctor: Does an increased amount of food in the stomach 
insure added facility for using this food? 

Viola: It does not. 

Doctor: Where, then, is the primary fault in digestion? 

Julia: In the tissues, which have so little need for support 
they make but limited demand. 

Doctor: What does remedial motion, or massage, propose 
to do? 

Viola: To create more demand; as obstacles which are in the 
way in the minute vessels will be removed, and nutritive matters 
may be freely conveyed through their natural channels; while 
the worn-out matters will be carried to their places of exit from 
the body, thus precluding the possibility of that decline which 
comes to the organism through lack of that perpetual change 
which in health pervades even the minutest portion. 

Doctor: If the uses of food are fulfilled, what is a prime 
requisite in accomplishing this purpose? 

Julia: That the nutritive supplies be urged along their 
course, which enables them to perform their office. The decay 
of unused nutritive material within the vital organism gives rise 



Common Chronic Ailments. 169 

to various forms of disease and blood-poisoning, as we have 
already learned, and adding to the supply of nutriment or in- 
troducing chemical obstructions, under the name of medicines, 
not only cannot take the place of changes which are brought 
about through motion, but are positively hurtful and destructive 
in their effects. 

Doctor: It is pretty clear that one reason for sluggish di- 
gestion is the lack of demand on the part of the system at large for 
food. You may give another cause for this inertia. 

Viola: It lies in the incomplete removal of u zvaste," which 
is removed by oxidation, deep and unimpeded breathing; and of 
"residual," " ashes," the matters forming a part of the food, not 
subject to the influences of digestive secretions, not changed, 
but doubtless performing a part in the digestive process. This 
residual matter is also 

Dependent upon Breathing, 

for its movement along the intestines and final exclusion from 
the body. 

Julia: I do not see how breathing can so promote the mo- 
tions of the intestinal canal. 

Viola: Take a deep, full breath, if you are properly dressed, 
this is at once apparent. You will understand how the outside, 
serous coverings of these tubes, the intestines, are made to glide 
upon each other; and this very motion inspires to the absorption 
of digested materials; and the secretion of fluids, which dilute 
the mass of food and render it capable of use by absorption, 
and the elevating processes following, until it becomes a part 
of the living organism. The vermicular motions of the intes- 
tinal tube, verging along these substances destined to be 
expelled, are promoted by the same respiratory acts. 

Doctor: The constant need for these chajiges at all times, awake 
or asleep, manifestly precludes the idea of perfect digestion without 
them. "And since motion of the organs is a necessary part of 
their functions, no restoration of digestive power is possible 
that does not also include the restoration of this mechanical or 
muscular property." From what has been learned, what would 
you infer to be the most rational, natural, and philosophical resource 
of one who is a dyspeptic, no matter what the particular symp- 
toms may be? 



170 Woman and Health. 

Viola: Surely it would be the cultivation of the power to 
breathe ; and this is found in the strength and use regained of 
all those muscles concerned in respiration, which does not fail 
to apply to the abdominal as well as chest muscles. Animals 
are cited by our author as having a mechanical structure which 
necessitates the communication to the digestive organs of a 
great amount of motion by every movement of the body. 

Doctor: Human beings have need of 

Just as Much Motion 

as animals, but how limited is the supply in most cases. The 
most efficient means for supplying the needs by applied power, 
where cultivation of the natural resources has been suppressed, 
or entirely discouraged, until chronic weakness pervades the 
system, is found in Mechanical Massage \ but an approach to this 
may be made through a few well-practiced movements, which 
may be adapted to individual requirements: 

1. If quite weak, sit on a stool, but if able, stand, with 
hands on hips. Bend the body slowly forward, and as far back 
as possible. Count, naming a number distinctly, aloud, with 
each motion — from five to ten. Rest a moment. 

2. Same position, bend from side to side. Counting as 
before. 

3. After resting, bend obliquely forward to the right — very 
slowly — count. 

4. Bend obliquely to the left — slowly — count. Rest 

5. Hands clasped over the head, twist the trunk, from right 
to left, and from left to right — slowly — count. Rest. 

6. Lie on the floor, or a low-headed couch, on the back, 
and knead the abdomen, with the spread hand, and fists — knead 
firmly — make pressure from both sides. This may be continued 
a few moments, owing to its agreeability; if there is tenderness, 
it may be discontinued the sooner. 

7. Rising, hands dropping at the sides, bend slowly for- 
ward. Rise slowly toward the perpendicular position, inhaling 
through the nostrils, if possible, at the same time extending the 
arms, and bringing them at last perpendicular to the shoulder. 
Hold breath, and pat the chest with open hands, while holding, 



Common Chronic Ailments. 171 

and slowly exhaling. Lie down and rest, when repeat this once 
or twice. Follow with a cold stomach and liver rub, and lively 
patting of the bottoms of the feet. Ready now for a drink of 
hot water, and an hour's rest. 

All the requirements of hygienic living have full play in 
these cases of bad digestion. There must be sunlight, pure air, 
simple food, rest, exercise, proper dress, and every suitable in- 
fluence brought to bear. Absolute rest for the stomach, in some 
cases, will advance the patient marvelously. Where mechan- 
ical massage is available, it is readily understood that a call for 
food is made so early in the treatment, that not so rigid en- 
forcement of abstemiousness in diet is necessary, for the system 
can use more. One kind of grain preparation and one of fruit 
at a meal, with thorough mastication, will soon insure a com- 
fortable degree of liberation from the torments of indigestion. 
Do not watch the effect of this or that food; select what is best; 
eat it in the best manner you can, and go your way. You have 
nothing more to do with it. The liver may be fomented about 
three or four times a week, and full enemas twice a week may 
be taken. Sleep may be invited and allowed to stay. Quiet of 
mind and body, at the same time abundant exercise of such as 
can be made available. Actual work of a muscular sort, not 
little, fretting, nervous, wearing work. House -work, to the 
degree of strength, garden work, and the like have the germs of 
cure in them. Uses performed for others, with a hearty enthu- 
siasm, lift up the organic forces, and behold ! where is the 
"occupation" of the physician? "Gone!" "Speed," then, 
"the parting guest." 

Neuralgia. 

"What darts with quick electric pain, 
Like lightning flash, then flies again, 
Rasping one's nerves with might and main? 

Neuralgia. 

"What keeps the vital powers at strife, 
Muscle and nerve with torture rife, 
Till one is well-nigh tired of life? 

Neuralgia. 

"O pain of pains! O ache of aches! 
That every nerve with anguish shakes, 
And life one bitter Bochim makes. 

Neuralgia. 



172 Woman and Health. 

" What woes upon thy presence hang! 
Thy stinging, tearing, rasping pang 
Is sharper than a serpent's fang. 

Neuralgia. 

"Great king of aches, without a truce! 
Thou hydra-headed pain let loose! 
Of all earth's ills the extracted juice! 

Neuralgia. 

" Pandora's box of woes compressed, 
And every pain a viper's nest, 
Writhing and stinging without rest. 

Neuralgia. 

" In vain we try thy pain to touch, 
With poultice, liniments and " such," 
Drafts, pills, and powders, O how much! 

Neuralgia. 

" In vain we follow written rules, 
And drugs of every name (0 fools!), 
Of all the Pathies and the schools. 

Neuralgia. 

"O Protean nerve-ache! Tic-douloureux! 
A dolorous pain thou art, 'tis true, 
Defying drugs and doctors, too. 

Neuralgia 

"What shall I call thee? Words all fail 
To coin a name that will avail, 
For all thy wealth of woe and wail. 

Neuralgia. 

" [In vain my pen were dipped in gall, 
With all the furies at my call, 
Thou can'st be felt, and that is all. 

Neuralgia.'''' 
[One Who Knows.] 

Doctor: Persons long afflicted with neuralgia do not die of 
it, because the disorder is not concentered in vital parts. This 
continued or frequent occurrence of the same irritation in a 
nerve makes it easier for that nerve to become affected by in- 
ternal conditions, and a very trifling addition to the nervous 
dyspepsia, which expresses the state of the stomach, will induce 
an outbreak. 

Julia: The nutrition of the body being disturbed, causing 
neuralgia, whatever agent is operative in this disturbance would 
be apt to bring it on; and from dear experience I know that 
mental disturbance of any kind will do it as readily as bad diet 
or changes in the atmosphere, prolific as these sources are. 



Common Chronic Ailments. 173 

Doctor: The skin nutrition lacks power, and, consequently, 
changes of weather cannot be well resisted by it, for the in- 
ternal state of the body underlies this defect in the skin. 

There is a neuralgic habit established in some women, 
generally those whose sensitive and deep feelings tax the 
powers of the internal viscera, by calling to the brain and spinal 
cord the nerve force which should have been expended in other 
parts, resulting in weakness and irritation of the stomach, 
which, met by stimulants, increases the evil. Some women are 
tormented with perpetual nervous headache in consequence of 
stomach irritation, to which is added that of the uterus ; but 
whatever the expression of pain, the fact that disorder of the di- 
gestive centers is underneath the whole of it is an important point 
in the practical application of curative means. 

Treatment. 

Under home treatment we must look upon the subject as one 
suffering from nervous dyspepsia. During paroxysms, appli- 
cations of heat and moisture will effectually relieve the pain, 
though sometimes there is not much apparent exemption from 
the tortures inflicted by such a condition of nerves and viscera. 

Neuralgic women must, of all women, be extremely regard- 
ful of the proper adjustments of clothing. Flannel and silk, the 
latter worn next the skin, must be worn all the year; the feet 
shod as becomes one who means to gain some degree of vigor 
and retain it; all excitements which call out nervous action 
avoided, cultivate quietude, suppress all tumultuous thoughts 
and sensations, give them no quarter; develop the power within 
in every way; open the doors of admission to helpful influences. 

Sciatica. 

Doctor: This is one form of nerve-pain or neuralgia, which 
depends upon the viscera for existence and support, and is cured 
through cure of visceral disorder. It is a transference of reme- 
dial effort from a vital part to one more remote and less vital; 
and, while local applications are not only admissible but useful, 
they do not supersede the necessity for restoration of the whole 
system. Pain is of such intensity, I have frequently known 



174 Woman and Health. 

the sufferer to wish earnestly for death, and to all appear- 
ances, the most approved and persistently applied medica- 
tion, with the whole array of stimulants, irritants, and opiates, 
could not even approach relief. Temporary palliation is about 
the highest aim of medical art in these cases, and that is not 
by any means assured. Revulsion, getting up activity at some 
part to lessen congestion and pain in some other, is what blis- 
ters, ointments, plasters, liniments, cuppings, leechings, bleed- 
ings, blisterings, setons, cauterizings, etc., are expected to do, 
and the principle is correct. It is capable of being applied to 
bringing about physiological, or health-inducing, not pathological, 
disease-producing, results. 

Dr. Geo. H. Taylor says: "Doubtless the good effects of 
many internal remedies, as cathartics, stimulants, alteratives, 
etc., may be attributed to the same principle." 

Doctor: This impression made, which we interpret as the 
recognition of the vital instincts, inducing vital action against 
an enemy to its domain, may take place in some tissue remote 
from the irritated nerve-centers, and so action is transferred, 
calling nutritive supply from these excited centers, and reliev- 
ing pain. But the " disease is mitigated, not by physiological, 
but pathological impression." 

Julia: And such an impression must necessarily be only 
transient, for it gets up a war in one place to relieve the struggle 
going on elsewhere. 

Viola: " If we could fully know the causes of nervous mala- 
dies, we might often trace their origin to remedies whose 

Immediate Consequence 

may be relief and seeming benefit, but whose ultimate effect on 
nerve-centers is disastrous." 

Doctor: There are two kinds of revulsion: 1st. Blood is in- 
vited or induced to flow to some region of the body, as the skin 
and extremities, thus reduci?ig the quantity which some suffering 
part contains. This is called regional revulsion. 2d. The blood 
thus called from " center to circumference," from an internal 
to a remote or external part, contains materials which are used 
by the parts to which it is called; and so, nutrition is changed 



Common Chronic Ailments. . 175 

from the support of diseased, abnormal, pathological action, to 
physiological action. This is " physiological revulsion" How is 
regional revulsion secured? 

Viola: Through vibrations. A limited portion of the body 
only receives the applications. 

The effect is to arouse its nerves, and excite nutritive activi- 
ties. Physiological revulsion follows ; the blood flows to the 
region designated, it feeds the tissues, distends the vessels; the 
parts increase in size, and get color and firmness, where they 
were before deadly pale and flabby. 

Doctor: How is the blood in parts near, and in even remote 
regions of the body, affected? 

Julia: It is diminished in them in proportion. 

Doctor: What is the effect of 

"New and Vigorous Action" 

established in any chosen part? Take our sciatica patient's 
dwindling left leg for an instance. 

Julia: Its relations to the remainder of the body are 
changed as regards the distribution of nervous power, as well 
as of the blood. Vibratory motion calls the blood from the 
congested and oppressed nerve-centers ; thus the normal power of 
the nerve-centers are restored, being relieved from the excess 
of blood through the means employed to reduce their irritation. 
The muscles are nourished, because more blood is supplied to 
them, and the unbalance between nerve nutrition and muscle 
nutrition is removed ; congestion and pain at the same time are 
deprived of support in this changed order of things. 

Doctor: Upon what is nervous action dependent? 

Viola: On blood supply. 

Doctor: How may nervous action he increased or diminished in 
any region or organ? 

Julia: By increasing or diminishing the activity of nerve 
nutrition, which can be completely done by vibratory motion. 

Doctor: Is the physiological revulsion produced by vibration, 
distinct from any effect produced by other means? 

Julia: It is; it affects bodily functions as well as regions. 



176 Woman and Health. 

All the Disabled Functions 

of the head, chest, digestive organs, pelvis, etc., " find relief 
from the derivative use of vibratory action." 

Doctor: In what region is the effect especially satisfactory? 

Viola: Where there is disease of the cerebro-spinal centers, 
the brain and spinal cord. 

Doctor: Why do these centers of nervous power, when 
suffering from congestion, find direct and certain relief in vi- 
bratory motion applied revulsively? 

Julia: " Because of the excitement produced in the skin 
and extremities, and the transfer of blood to them." 

Doctor: How can this effect be made permanent ? 

Viola: u By sufficient repetition of the operations at suit- 
able intervals." 

Doctor: Are there, as in the case of other revulsives, any 
diseased conditions induced by these means? 

Jidia: Decidedly not; their effect is purely physiological, 
health-inducing. 

Doctor: Home treatment for sciatica must necessarily be 
tedious, as the indications of these cases are scarcely met in 
means less prompt and efficient than what mechanical vibration 
or massage affords. But better, far better than to take drugs, 
the patient may take up a line of treatment for dyspepsia, and 
during paroxysms of pain, always meet them with heat and 
moisture, no matter where the pain is located. Diet in this case 
is a strong, strong point. Sciatica is readily curable. 

Paralysis. 

Doctor: The symptoms of paralysis are too well known to 
need description; there is no mistaking the disease, and none 
stands so eminently defiant of cure, if you judge by results 
obtained from popular remedies. Surely benefit ought to be 
derived from medical endeavor; if it is not, there is a mistake 
somewhere; and let us try to find it. What is the course 
generally pursued in these cases? 

Viola: Effects are dealt with and experimented on, instead 
of strengthening and aiding the expression of vital power in 



Common Chronic Ailme?tts. 177 

every tissue, and bringing up the blood-making process to its 
summit of completeness, as upon this process all power of the 
vital organism so much depends. 

Doctor: The trouble is, perhaps, less in what the remedies 
employed are intended to accomplish, than in the wisdom of 
their selection; they should be of such a nature as will admit of 
very persistent and prolonged use, because the nature of this 
affection demands nothing less. If we employ curative (?) 
measures which would make a well person sick, how can pro- 
longed use of them be other than very harmful in the case of 
a sick person. 

Nearly every case of paralysis is helped by remedial motion, 
and each one illustrates the value of other medical resources 
compared with motion remedially employed. While these 
curative methods are so entirely suitable, and abundantly able 
to meet the demands for imparting energy to the nutritive 
forces, and securing thorough and constant revulsion from the 
spinal centers, it is encouraging to the invalid to feel that per- 
severance in the application of these methods continually 
affords hope of reward, because they are in strict accord with 
the laws of nature, and do no violence to any part of her 
domain. 



12 



178 Wo j nan and Health. 



CHAPTER XV. 

DRESS. 

Doctor: The clear advancing dawn of self-possessed, de- 
veloped, powerful womanhood, lights up the brightening sky, 
and promises a day so free, resplendent, glorious, that with 
haste we seek to adjust ourselves for work therein; for, like the 
illimitable sun-ray, "it gives beauty, reveals beauty, and is itself 
most beautiful. It is also the analyzer, the truth-teller, and the 
exposer of shams; for it shows things as they are. . . . 
Like all other fine forces, its movement is wonderfully soft, 
and yet penetrating and powerful." 

The demands of this New Age, the uses to be performed, the 
battles to be fought, the victories to be won, are well-nigh over- 
whelming, but in the calm, majestic, purposeful life, all inhar- 
mony and discord are swallowed up, strong in the assurance 
and promise, "As thy day is, so shall thy strength be," woman 
trustingly reaches out her hand to Truth, and follows her guid- 
ance through all the newly-opened paths toward the greater 
life. 

Nothing can harm; the lesser life is drawn towards the 
greater; human souls are drawn together; they cohere because 
of interior fitness and unfoldment. The gradual uplifting of 
humanity through growth and progress, is the actualization of 
of the divine manifest in the human. It is but the orderly " de- 
velopment of the human nature into the character of its spir- 
itual attributes." 

And what is the high design of Truth and Spirituality? 
Freedom. "The Truth shall make you free." "Where the 
spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." The organized forces of 
Truth, Truth in knowledge, industry, systems, customs, methods, 
practice, social, literary and religious culture — in a word, Truth 
in the life — is the fulfillment of the Divine intent. 



Dress. 179 

Julia: I cannot see what Dress has to do with Truth. 
What is it but to find out what is fashionable, and then make 
yourself look as pretty and stylish as your means will permit? 
I do not think all women can dress equally well, some are com- 
pelled to wear cheaper clothes than others, as their circum- 
stances are less affluent; but I think it a duty for every one to 
look as fashionably dressed as possible; it goes a great way 
with every one; and not less at this time when woman's 
capacity for use in the many departments of life seems so well 
demonstrated. 

Doctor: The Truth of Dress should indeed be taught and 
lived by woman, just as much as any other form of Truth. 
The character of a person's dress is so closely allied to the per- 
son, that the two are about inseparable. The physical 

Bondage of Modern Dress 

would prove a barrier to woman's ever becoming successful as 
an active worker in the fields now open to her, and emancipation 
is the watchword of the hour. 

A new and radical departure from the venerable habits ot 
blinding the eyes, and following whatever caprice fashion may 
impose, is one of the indications that the reform movements, 
which enlist heart, brain, and hand of the choicest among 
womankind, have in them an element which insures growth 
and stability. 

The outer is ever the exponent and expression — the ulti- 
mate — of the inner; and that soft, gentle, but powerful stirring 
of the spirit within woman will as surely effect the freedom of 
prison-bound bodies through the expansion of mental and spir- 
itual atoms, permit me to say, as will that little rootlet of the 
oak, by steady growth, at last rend the huge rock asunder! I 
have worked thirty years in the pioneer field, among the criers 
in the wilderness, and very faintly at first did the sound of our 
doctrines strike the ear; but gradually and forcibly the waves 
have gathered volume of purpose and voice, until now you 
hear a roar for release from tyrannical fashions. What else 
does this wave of enthusiastic interest in the dress question 
mean? Over all our land and foreign countries "the crack of 



180 Woman and Health. 

doom " is come to every article of woman's dress not in accord 
with the expansion of her internal nature. Woe from the heart 
is proclaimed against the steel and whalebone instruments of 
torture which gird the body with the grasp of a boa-constrictor; 
against the bands and heavy skirts; the clipping of scissors is 
heard all the day through, for woe, and that eternal, is pro- 
nounced upon every identical article of woman's clothing that 
durst impede her freedom of motion, and her physical, moral, 
and spiritual breath. 

The slow but sure expansion of " atoms " has, in their de- 
velopment, pushed against the stays and bands and prison 
clothes with vigorous demand for the " right of way." Some 
one said of woman: "She is in a frenzy to reform the worl-d. 
Very well, let her try her hand on her own dress first. When 
she has that a little more in accordance with hygienic principles, 
it will be time to look farther." 

Viola: Devolution, Evolution, Revolution! Three words 
scarcely at home in a fashion magazine, yet they may apply 
to the workings of the " still, small voice," so internal, yet 
pushing forward, overcoming resistance, and powerful to work 
change where change seemed so improbable. Had not the 
force been an internal one, it seems to me that no amount of 
external argument would have influence to work such a revolu- 
tion as we know is widely inaugurated in the monarchy of 
fashion. 

Doctor: Roomy dress, and 

Free-breathing Women, 

are the demands of this incoming day. If we are forms recep- 
tive of life, and have it in our power, through the agency of 
free-will, to receive " good measure " or to limit spiritual influx, 
is it not true as to the body that, as capacity to inspire, to in- 
hale the life-sustaining atmosphere, is great or small, we are 
enabled to become receptive of the higher influences? "He 
came unto His own, and His own received him not." The 
Christ comes to-day to woman, the soul is touched, and new 
life, new development, even to the ultimate, follow. And be- 
hold! Woman free, untrammeled! She has entered the Path 



Dress. 181 

of Truth in Dress. It is broad and easy, for, having entered, 
she is free. Perhaps it is hard to reach it; a strait and nar- 
row way, straitened by notion, custom, love of approbation, 
unbearableness of ridicule, and many, many impediments. 
" But her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are 
peace." How joyfully the glad tidings of new clothes, fitted 
to a divinely-gifted, natural body are proclaimed! Henceforth 
the freed woman will dare to dress as well as live by the 
standard of hygiene. No more instruments of torture ! No 
more ill-health ! Successful rebellion against this tyranny, on 
the part of foremost women, will aid multitudes of their unhappy 
sisters, who are still condemned to heavy weights about the 
hips, contracted chest space, and flaccid muscles. 

Julia: I am utterly discouraged as I think of what efforts 
one must put forth in order to be well dressed and stylish and 
beautiful. And then how disappointing to find one's self un- 
successful at last! I must belong to the army of the unfreed. 

A friend wrote two years ago of her experience : " Have I 
not followed the 

Spirit of Beauty 

with eager entreaty that she bless me with her presence? Have 

1 not covered her altars with painful oblations? Surely I have 
studied books of the toilet without number? I have concocted 
more messes for the improvement of my complexion than a 
druggist's laboratory ever evolved. I have greased and an- 
ointed, whitened, reddened, softened, purified, and cleansed 
with a pertinacity of attempt which, if given to a better cause, 
would have furnished me with noble eminence among the 
workers of the world. Have I not crushed my waist with the 
inexorable clasp of corsets to gain a figure that a broad hand 
might inclose? Have I not suffered untold agonies of stifled 
breath and aching ribs that 'fairy and sylph' might be the 
guerdon of my success? 

"Ah, yes! No one can say that I have not worshiped faith- 
fully at Beauty's shrine! For years I have wedged, with 
quivering nerve and shrinking tendon, a No. 4 foot into a No. 

2 gaiter. Winter after winter I have chilled to the marrow in 
silk stockings, that I might crowd my foot into a circum- 



182 Woman and Health. 

ference too small for woolen ones. Many a day have I limped 
painfully over the pavements, scarcely able to convince myself 
that my feet were not solid concretions rather than animal 
tissues. Many a time have I been forced to retire from social 
assemblies to a deserted dressing-room to remove my inquisi- 
torial torturers, and give the stagnant blood in my feet a chance 
to move. Did not disgusting corns bear testimony to my faith- 
ful adoration of beauty? Is not that ingrowing nail a continual 
sacrifice of comfort? For years I have not known a day free 
from excruciating headaches. It seems as if an invisible imp 
dwells in every individual hair I wear, to tug and tear with pre- 
ternatural malignity. The more I pile on, the worse it grows. 
Yet, with all this battling against the epicurianism of ease, I fail 
in my object most miserably. For though my waist has shrunk 
to the measurement of sixteen inches, the perverse fates have 
drawn my shoulders out of the graceful curves that were once 
my pride, till they describe an abominable acute angle. Day by 
day my elbows grow crooked and shrewish, more and more 
like interrogation points to my perpetual question, ' What 
shall I do to be beautiful?' My eyes are heavy and often em- 
broidered along their lids with crimson tracery. My golden 
locks have become thin, and I can hardly cover my coils, 
1 mice ' and ' rats,' with a natural growth. But, alas ! the 
most soul-harrowing misfortune of all is my complexion. 
Bilious spots appear upon my forehead with the persistency of 
profusion, which no Oriental Cream or Bloom of Youth can 
conceal. Angry eruptions break out across my chin and around 
my nose. Lifeless flakes of skin stand continually upon my 
lips, as if the curse of leprosy made me forever unclean. I am 
as thin as one of Ossian's ghosts. In vain I cram myself with 
all the dainties of mother's bountiful table; the more I eat the 
more attenuated I become, till it seems as if my favorite 
victuals had entered into an alliance to defraud me of susten- 
tation. So now, at twenty-two, I mourn over a pyramid of 
faded hopes, and ruefully behold every charm with which 
nature once endowed me blighted as by a simoon. Oh, tell me 
what to do that I may gain that rare beauty of feature which 
comes of a perfect trinity of powers — body, mind, and soul. 
Tell me what to do, and I will do it " 



Dress. 183 

Viola: Here is the sequel. She made up her mind to dis- 
card all unhealthful substitutes, and to strive with faithful firm- 
ness for the beautiful reality. The enemy did not give her up 
willingly, for she had lassitude, weariness, headaches, side- 
aches, and "all-gone" sensations at frequent intervals for a 
long time. Please read what she now writes : " But I have 
given two years to the trial, and those odious moth patches 
have grown small by degrees and beautifully less; a pale, tender 
rose is beginning to bud upon each cheek, while the beauty of 
the lily opens each day to a fresh revelation upon brow and 
chin. My waist is twenty-two inches in span, with the rapture 
of promise that the day will not be long delayed when it shall 
have gained the coveted twenty-four. My elbows are pickets 
no longer, but with rounded curves that look as if on small 
provocation they might dimple. My diet is simple, my stomach 
self-supporting, and my heart is light. It was only yesterday 
Brother George said to Auntie : 'I'd like to know what has 
ever come over our Nan; she's as pretty as a pink. But wasn't 
she a guy, though, about two years ago, when her waist was not 
bigger than the snout of a vinegar jug, and her complexion like 
a petrified lime? I used to be glad I wasn't one of those 
Johnny-jump-ups who used to come here and praise her fairy 
grace! Fairy fiddlesticks! She has gone back on those popin- 
jays now, though.' 

u And I am reminded of what the doctor, my betrothed, 
said to me the evening before. ' I always hoped that 

God Would Give Me a Wife, 

large-brained and pure-hearted, with shoulders broad enough 
and waist large enough to bless her with affluent, radiant 
health. I was always firm in the conviction that no wide range 
of mental powers, no generous capabilities for grand, intellect- 
ual, moral, and physical development could accompany a 
curbed and cheated form. When I first saw you, dear, I looked 
with delight upon your superb figure, and now I thank God 
that He has given me, in you, an actualization of my life's 
ideal." 

Doctor: And I say, thank God, for the enlightenment of 
this day, for the stirring of conscience and awakening to the 



184 Woman and Health. 

effects of the evils of dress, which are so destructive of strength, 
health, and life. It is, I believe, correctly estimated that about 
four-fifths of our American women are subjects of more or less 
uterine derangement, and no one can deny that the greater 
part of these distressing maladies is dependent on the prevalent 
style of dress for existence and perpetuation. Think of the 
horrible tortures endured by the subject of pelvic deformities, 
displacements and their attendant congestions, morbid growths, 
ulcerations, etc. If the facts and details of these protracted 
agonies could be presented to the understanding of men, there 
would be such an uprising over all our land as was never in- 
cited by any political question. They would see their mothers, 
wives, and daughters being led unconsciously to a fate more 
deplorable than that imposed upon the victims of the cruel 
inquisition, and all that is manly in man would dash forward to 
the rescue. What a snapping of corset steels, cutting asunder 
of bands, tearing out of heavy skirt-breadths! What bonfires 
of bustles, and tight, high-heeled shoes, there would be! And 
there would arise from this scene of " carnage," this wise revo- 
lution, a race of free women. 

"If she be small, slight-natured, miserable, 
How shall men grow? " 

Apropos, Matthew Henry has a very pretty conceit. He 
says: "Woman was made out of a rib taken out of the side of 
Adam; not made out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet 
to be trampled on by him, but out of his side to be equal with 
him, from under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to 
be beloved." And how can man understand woman's nature 
and functions when his perceptions spring from affections that 
are perverted in a degree by her vanity? From these false per- 
ceptions man has regarded woman as inferior to himself, and 
has ruled over and oppressed her. Is it possible for woman to 
be equal with man when her physical form is distorted? The 
effect is the same whether ignorance, custom, or willfulness 
occasioned it. What man would endure the discomfort arising 
from such external restrictions? "Under his arm to be pro- 
tected" — from external injuries; he cannot protect her from 
self-inflicted ones, except as he comprehends and condemns the 
habits which effect such dire results. " Near to his heart to be 



Dress. 185 

beloved;" but weakness and disability are not lovable qualities, 
and inspire feelings of pity, forbearance, and tolerance. "The 
reason firm, the temperate will," which can love and be beloved, 
dwell only in bodies free from deformity, well nourished, fed 
with pure food and rightly, lightly, yea, beautifully clothed. 

As the consequence of bringing herself into orderly life, 
woman's perceptions of her own duties are made clearer, and 
her firmness and strength exert a regenerative power in helping 
man to perceive the distorted motives which cause evil actions 
and self-indulgences hurtful to soul and body, and thus aids 
him in their subjection. A truer type of womanhood necessi- 
tates 

A Nobler Type of Manhood. 

Viola: Here is a man whose enlightenment on this subject 
leads him to take up sword and axe in the work of exterminating 
this evil of tight-dressing. Doctor John Ellis, in his "Avoidable 
Causes of Disease," says: "That this dreadful practice has 
done more, within the last century, than war, pestilence, and 
famine toward the physical deterioration of civilized man, I 
verily believe. More than this, I believe it is doing more injury 
to our race to-day than intemperance in all its horrid forms. . . 
. It does seem to me that if the women of our land could only 
see the terrible consequences which follow this practice, not 
only upon themselves, but also to the children with whom they 
may yet be blessed, that if their hearts are not made of ada- 
mant, they would relent and never permit a tight dress to 
approach their persons again." 

Julia: My mother is an active member of the W. C. T. U., 
and also president of several church societies, and she gets 
quite indignant that Dr. Ellis compares this habit of tight- 
dressing with the drunkard's whiskey thirst. He says: " It 
grows upon one and soon becomes a necessity, and must be 
steadily increased." I think he is too radical, and does harm 
in making such strong assertions, which, of course, cannot be 
sustained. It offends people to be told such things. 

Doctor: Let us see what right there is for such a statement. 
What is one of the uses of the muscles of the body? 

Julia: To sustain it erect, and to give support to internal 
organs. 



186 Woman and Health. 

Doctor: If you apply tight dress to these muscles, will it 
not restrict their action? And what is the result? 

Julia: Of course; and then, in accordance with a law of 
the muscular system, when they are not used they grow small 
and feeble. {Aside. But what has that to do with whisky?) 

Doctor: Suppose you add whalebones and steel to the tight 
garment. 

Julia: Oh, I see; these would be only more effectual in de- 
stroying the action of the muscles. (I do not see the whisky 
thrust yet.) 

Doctor: What must be the result of continued tight-dress- 
ing? 

Julia: Very naturally the unused muscles would become 
more and more enfeebled. Oh, I now see the stimulating point. 
If the natural supports are delicate, one feels the necessity for 
constantly increasing the pressure in order to sustain the body 
erect. I wonder if it is for this reason we never feel that our 
dresses are too tight. 

Viola: Does the rum-drinker ever feel that he drinks too 
much? No more does the tight-dresser feel that she exceeds 
the bounds of safety, even to the point of destroying life, for 
the compression only gives proper support to the weak muscles. 

Doctor: Suppose this force were applied directly, suddenly; 
could the body endure such distortion as we see all about us? 

Viola: Oh, no. "It is by slight but constant compression 
that a natural chest and waist can be brought into such shape, 
for life would be destroyed by the violence we should do to the 
internal organs." 

In the little-footed Chinese woman is an illustration. The 
development of the feet is prevented by gently bandaging and 
the use of well-fitted shoes constantly worn. Direct force is 
not applied, for it would cause the mortification and death of 
the feet. 

Julia: Is this true? 

"The Greatest Possible Distortion 

of the human chest and waist maybe caused without ever using 
a particle of force, simply by pinning or hooking, or even but- 
toning, the garments around the body; and thousands are thus 



Dress. 187 

destroying themselves without even suspecting the cause of 
their failing health." How can this be? 

Doctor: We will inquire of physiology. How much does 
the chest above the lower ribs expand during inhalation? 

Julia: About one inch in its circumference. 

Doctor: Expel the air from the lungs, and then simply pin, 
or button, or lace, or hook the garment snugly about the chest 
without using any force, what will result when the breath is 
drawn in? 

Julia: Why, the chest cannot expand into about one inch 
as much as before the dress was fastened. I know from expe- 
rience that a feeling of tightness will be felt for a time, but after 
a while the breathing becomes good enough, only when there is 
active exertion. 

Viola: Further, we learn that the air is not all expelled 
from the cells after exhalation, but a large quantity remains. 
If the chest is prevented from expanding, owing to tight 
dresses, I suppose the lungs have to do the best they can, and 
expel a portion of the air which is usually left after exhalation, 
so the cells will continue to act; but less air is received and cell 
capacity is diminished. This is very convenient for the one 
who is training toward the coveted slender waist, for by the 
time a new dress is to be made, it can be at least an inch smaller 
if it is fastened when the air is expelled from the lungs, and no 
force be required either. So, step by step, the chest and waist 
may be brought into the contracted form desired. The mis- 
chief can be accomplished more rapidly by the aid of laces 
tightened daily. 

Julia: And now it is plain that we are not conscious of 
prevaricating when we declare that our dresses are not tight. 
I have never seen women more surprised than when they came 
to you for consultation and you accused them of tight-dressing. 
Not one realized it, and, I doubt not, many thought you 
unreasonable, until they learned the truth from patient instruc- 
tion. What a look of amazement came over the face of that 
lovely Miss J — the other morning, when you asked her to draw 
in a full breath without heaving up the shoulders. You might 
as well have demanded of her any other impossible feat. 



188 Woman and Health. 

Viola: And why? The chest expands freely in every 
direction in healthy, normal respiration, but especially so in 
the central and lower portions. There must be special pro- 
vision made for freedom of motion around the waist. The 
lower ribs terminate in cartilages, elastic, gristly structures, 
which connect the ends of the ribs with the breast-bone. The 
cartilage connecting the upper rib with the sternum is less than 
an inch long. As we descend from rib to rib this structure is 
found to grow longer, until those from the lower ribs are several 
inches long. The floating ribs are not thus connected with the 
breast-bone. 

Doctor: You readily see why we feel better in a tight-fitting 
dress than in a loose one ; if we have been in the habit of im- 
peding the natural action of the muscles by tight clothing, we 
need the support of whalebone and close garments, and feel the 
loss when they are removed, 

And All-Goneness, 

very like that experienced by the dram-drinker missing his 
accustomed "toddy." 

Julia: Dr. Ellis said of the consequences that followed this 
habit of tight-dressing: "If we judge as to the degree of the 
evil when this practice is ignorantly indulged in, or as a sin 
when it is knowingly practiced, by the physical consequences 
which follow to our race, it is certainly one of the most deadly 
evils and sins in existence; compared with it, intemperance 
sinks into insignificance. It may be thought that simply com- 
pressing the waist is a very simple act and no great evil; but 
when it is done with a knowledge that it will cause disease and 
premature death, it becomes one of fearful character, it becomes 
self-murder." 

Doctor: Why is it that such fearful consequences follow 
this habit? What does physiology say? 

Viola: "The lungs and heart fill the entire cavity of the 
chest, and compression, we have seen, lessens the capacity of 
the lungs to receive air, which is essential to life and health ; 
the changes which should take place in the blood in its pas- 
sages through the lungs are imperfectly effected. If the blood 



Dress. 189 

is not changed in the lungs it ceases to be circulated in the 
vessels ; if it is only partially purified in the lungs, it is imper- 
fectly circulated, and the extremities become cold. Dark, 
impure blood, instead of scarlet, life-giving blood, flows to the 
delicate structures of the brain and spinal cord, and that, with 
the obstruction of the circulation, gives headache, spinal irri- 
tation, neuralgia, and the protean forms of nervous diseases. 
The liver, -stomach, and spleen lie immediately beneath the ribs, 
and they are crowded and pushed out of place, and cannot per- 
form their functions well. 

Julia: No wonder almost every woman has tenderness at 
the pit of the stomach, and all sorts of weak stomachs and torpid 
livers, when they are jammed into the very narrowest space 
assigned them by the corset and skirt band. The kidneys are 
injured, too, from this compression; and what internal organ is 
not? 

Doctor: The bowels are crowded down upon the bladder 
and uterus, and, as a consequence, displacements, anteversion, 
retroversion, etc., with attendant congestions and ulcerations, 
and all the family of uterine affections follow. Dr. Abernethy, 
of London, had a young lady brought to him by her mother for 
treatment. He took out his knife and ran it under her belt, 
instantly severing it, exclaiming: "Why, madam, don't you 

know that there are upwards of thirty yards of [what are 

more elegantly termed bowels] squeezed under that girdler. 
Go home; give nature fair play, and you'll have no need of a 
prescription." 

Viola: And even some physicians call these the "natural 
weaknesses of woman." Mrs. Stanton says: "I do hope all 
physicians will stop talking of the natural weaknesses and dis- 
abilities of women; there is no such thing; they are all arti- 
ficial — the result, in all cases, of violated law. 

A Well-organized Woman, 

who understands and obeys physical and moral law, may enjoy 
a life of as uninterrupted health and happiness as the man by 
her side. You might as well call tobacco-chewing, spittoons, 
delirium tremens, keno banks and panel-houses the natural 



190 Woman and Health. 

weaknesses and disabilities of man, as to attribute all the long 
train of evils which flow from the dress and sedentary habits of 
our girls to the natural weaknesses and disabilities of woman. 

Julia: Howard Glyndon says: " I do declare that I think 
it would be better to die and get out of the torment at once, 
than to have to rise every morning, for some forty or fifty years, 
and box one's body up in a sort of compressive armor, hang 
weights to one's hips, and more weights upon one's head, which 
last are supported by the roots of the hair, put one's feet into 
shoes a number too small, and not of the right shape, and with 
heels like stilts ; and then set about doing the whole duty of 
woman, with a cheerful face and a spry air, for from fifteen to 
seventeen mortal hours out of the twenty-four! That there are 
so many women that are not frightened into a decline at such 
a prospect, and that they should bravely undertake to do it, 
nay, more, that they even dream that under such disadvantages 
they can work side by side with unshackled man, and that they 
die in trying to do it, certainly says much for their courage." 

Doctor: "How to be Well" says: "The uses of dress are not 
thought of when our garments are modeled; and the beauty of 
dress is in great degree most certainly obscured, if not de- 
stroyed. When I looked at woman's apparel from inmost to 
outermost, I am reminded of the words of Shakspeare: 

" ' The gown ? why, ay ! Come, let us see 't. 
O, mercy! what masking stuff is here ? 

What's this ?— What— up and down carved like an apple-tart ? 
Here's snip and snip, and cut and slish and slash — 
Why, what o' the devil's name call'st thou this ? ' " 

Viola: To begin at the beginning, and observe the article 
put on first in the morning, we find the chemise even at this day 
is still in existence. It is a garment supplying various degrees 
of fullness about the waist, offering no protection to neck, shoul- 
ders, chest, arms, or lower limbs, yet is thought to be indispen- 
sable to its charmed devotees, receiving their unswerving loyalty, 
and demanding an amount of energy and talent in its construc- 
tion and ornamentation which, if turned into channels more in 
accord with woman's advanced needs, would produce such per- 
fection in the mechanism of under-dress, that the chemise would 
be universally banished from the wardrobe at once. 



Dress. 191 

Doctor: I have witnessed the most ludicrous affection for 
this garment by some invalid ladies who were in such condi- 
tions as to render change in the mode of dress an absolute 
essential to their recovery. When prevailed upon to adopt the 
very physiological under-dress called the ll union suit," they 
would still cling to the chemise, wearing it first under the " suit,' 
then over it, all the time subjecting themselves to much incon- 
venience, and wondering how next to wear the garment, so it 
need not be entirely discarded. 

Frequently I prescribe proper dress for my patients, and 
allow them to pass unmolested through this painful process of 
shedding, and it affords much amusement to them afterward, 
when the charmed spell of the chemise is broken. 

Julia: The drawers are supported on the hips and reach 
about to the knees, giving most warmth to the abdominal 
region and the back. And skirts, first the flannel under-skirt, 
short, buttoned around the waist, and, like the over-skirt, which 
is longer and heavier, gives or produces most warmth just 
where it is least needed, and where there is probably already 
too much blood, invites more, robbing the extremities, which 
have very scant protection. The corset, with its two thick- 
nesses of stout material, corded, and boned, and steeled, and 
always worn loose, if the wearer is to be credited with capacity 
for knowing what she says about it, is no protection whatever 
to unprotected regions, the limbs, both upper and lower, the 
neck and chest; but is an added burden to the already overbur- 
dened and weakened central region. 

Doctor: There is not one good word to be said for the 
corset. If ever there were a case of total depravity this is the 
prominent example. When I was crowned with fewer years 
than now, corset-wearing was thought to be essential to a lady- 
like form; hence, at the proper age, I was put under training. 
I could not bear the discipline. Corset was invariably removed 
after a few ineffectual pants for breath and freedom. 

About this time I was sent away from home to school, my 
trunk carefully packed by loving hands, and the corset not 
forgotten. In those days the corset was a marvel of handiwork, 
and triumph of skill in use of the needle. It was enjoined upon 
me to " turn over a new leaf," to be good and wear my corset. 



192 Woman and Health. 

I tried. But almost involuntarily my fingers would find the 
corset string, unloose it, and not unfrequently I walked into the 
recitation room with that long, white string following me, like 
the "trail of the serpent." The disgrace of it did not appall, 
nor did the prediction that my form would be hideous. Native 
instinct, if nothing higher, triumphed over the false but sincere 
notions of those who had me in charge, and I was permitted to 
go free. The corsets were abandoned, cut up into wash-rags, 
and distributed among my school friends. We learned that 
corsets are of no use, except for wash-rags, and of very inferior 
value for even that purpose. 

Julia: Let me read you part of this letter from an English- 
man; corsets had the advantage in this case, surely: 

"Sitting in church the other Sunday, a lady came and sat 
directly before me. It was impossible not to see her, too diffi- 
cult not to notice her appearance. She was tall, thin, and ver> 
pale, and had the smallest waist for her height I ever saw, con- 
necting the upper and lower portions of a living woman. How 
could one help thinking of her anatomy? Where had she 
stowed her stomach? whereabouts lay her liver? into what cor- 
ner had she packed her spleen? what could she do with her 
diaphragm, under a broad belt that cut her in two like a wasp or 
an hour-glass? A glance at her pale, pretty face showed that 
her heart was having a hard time of it in such cramped quarters, 
while no proper aeration of the blood in such crowded lungs 
was possible. There was but one comfort. No man of sense 
would marry her, and the consequences of her folly will not be 
punished in her posterity. Would it not be wise to appoint 
some proper officer to inspect the waists of women who com- 
mit slow suicide by this hideous folly of tight-lacing? " 

Viola: I would ask, "Is there no other way, besides these 
1 hideous practices,' how we may come to death, and mix with 
our connatural dust?" 

Julia: I'd answer, yes, there is (forgive us, Milton), 

"If thou well observe " 
The laws of life and health, and harmony here taught, 
Thou'lt live, " till many years over thy*head return, 

Till like ripe fruit thou drop 
Into thy mother's lap, or be with ease 
Gathered, not harshly pluckt, for death mature." 



Dress. 193 

Viola: We now reach the "gown" — the outer dress. The 
skirt will be found suspended from the hips; numerous folds 
and gathers and plaits accumulate at the back, heating and 
tiring those weak " muscles that never rest." The basque or 
polonaise adds more weight and warmth still to the back, and 
the garniture of the whole dress is necessarily heavy, according 
to the approved style. We have seen that the weight of all the 
clothing, at least of the skirts, bears upon the hips and abdo- 
men, and that about the central portion of the body, from the 
arm-pits to the thighs, cluster six or eight thicknesses of cloth, 
while the arms are left with perhaps two, and if a woven under- 
vest is worn in winter, which happily is becoming the custom, 
that, with its sleeves, will make three thicknesses of covering 
to the arms. The legs, covered by the skirts, get very little 
protection from them, and the stocking gives really but one 
thickness to those extremities. The delicate, pinching shoe 
does not permit the blood to circulate in the foot, even if it 
ever got so far from its seat of congestion — the internal vis- 
cera — as to seek its way into those capillaries so compressed 
and chilled. And so we have, in our mode of dress, one of the 
most fruitful sources of chronic internal congestion, as well as 
of all those forms of displacement, and their attendant train of 
ills.— "How to be Well." 

Doctor: But proof that light is breaking over the mountain 
tops is furnished in the increasing readiness with which women 
everywhere receive and appropriate those styles which are be- 
fitting the New Age, in harmony with true beauty, use, and the 
mechanism and laws of the human body. 

First, is the union suit, fitting body and limbs, from "top to 
toe," from neck to foot. As many suits, layers of suits, may be 
worn as are required for sufficient warmth, thus doing away 
with the heavy, burdensome, inadequate skirt. The idea is 
to get needed protection and warmth from the snugly fitting 
suits. 

A suspending waist, well fitted as you would have the waist 
of your best gown, loose enough to admit of full inhalation and 
expansion of the lungs, and extending three to four inches be- 
low the waist-line over the hips, is a very essential article of 
clothing, at least during these days of transition. Flat but- 
13 



194 Woman and Health. 

tons on the bottom of this waist will hold the little, narrow, 
light, next-to petticoat, and the same buttons the over-petti- 
coat, which will also be as light as convenient. At or a trifle 
below the waist-line, buttons may be placed so as to hold the 
dress-skirt, when polonaise or basque is worn. The petticoats 
will not be removed from the waist until changes are required, 
as there is room to drop waist and petticoat entire, thus saving 
trouble of buttoning and unbuttoning so frequently. The neck 
should be cut high enough to allow ample support from shoul- 
ders, and the arm-hole very large. This is sleeveless. Fine linen 
duck or cotton night-gown cloth is the best material. It is 
made of one thickness, and admits of such garniture as taste 
and fancy devise. This is far preferable to the corset, and any 
dressmaker is capable of cutting, fitting, and making it if she 
is sufficiently instructed concerning the purposes of the gar- 
ment. 

For the pretty and useful union suits of muslin or linen, 
worn over the woven long ones, patterns are now to be had in 
various pattern stores, so it is within the ability of any and 
every one to be well clothed. 

In winter, a pair of long leggings, worn over the stockings 
and allowed to come inside the shoe top, will give protection 
to the lower limbs far exceeding anything an extra petticoat 
can afford, and so very light withal. Doubtless, the practice of 
clothing each limb separately is a true one. Observe the rule 
to supply the limbs with layers of clothing equal to what the 
body receives, or as nearly so as possible. The stockings must 
be supported by shoulder suspenders, for the garter, below or 
just above the knee, is injurious if worn tightly enough to hold. 
Ventilated garters may be worn, not tightly, in addition to the 
shoulder support. I like this, as it divides pressure and answers 
the whole purpose. 

For night clothing, always have a flannel over-gown. Cotton 
or linen next the skin, and this obviates the need of frequent 
washing of the flannel. Woven night-wear is not good. It 
clings too closely to the skin, and does not give it a chance for 
performing its breathing function so perfectly; does not let 
enough air to the pores during the state of rest. Night-caps 
are a thing of the past, but there are times when they may be 



Dress. 195 

useful. Persons sensitive to temperature may permit the fresh 
outside air to pervade the sleeping-room if the head is protected 
by wearing a cap, when otherwise the air would cause dis- 
comfort. 

Viola: Foot-clothing I would suppose quite an important 
matter of dress. It is unaccountable that delicate woman, 
walking on the same cold, damp earth which stout men tread, 
will be so unshod, that for all practical purposes there is no pro- 
tection for the feet; while the man, at whose side she creeps 
along, mincingly, shiveringly, boldly planks down his stout 
boot or shoe, which perfectly insures him against damp and 
cold, because of its warm texture and thick sole. 

Doctor: Several layers of fine material give better satis- 
faction than one of thick, heavy quality. Two pairs of light, 
soft stockings are much warmer than one pair of heavy thick 
ones. It is a good practice to wear one pair of fine socks under 
the stockings in winter. I have lately come into possession of 
something which promises well for women's foot-wear. It is a 
pair of slipper-feet, I call it, for lack of a better name. Made 
of fine flannel, or cotton flannel, or buckskin, the pattern ex- 
actly fits the foot. It is really a low slipper, ingeniously con- 
trived so as to be almost seamless. This is worn over the 
stocking, is said not to demand a shoe larger than usual, and 
gives comfort and protection against cold. Many women are 
so "tender-footed" that heavy shoes and thick soles are not 
endurable, and for such this device would be extremely suit- 
able. High heels are so universally and so justly railed against, 
that no one at this time is left ignorant of their damaging 
influence upon the misguided wearer. " Common-sense " shoes 
are now abundant in the market, and there is no excuse for 
wearing any other. 

Julia: I was just thinking of what a grand office the 
dress reformer fills. How influential is dress, and also expres- 
sive of the inner character. The one who leads women to 
higher ideals and better practice in this department of life 
does her noble service. And there are many representatives 
of this order. Reform waists and underwear are quite generally 
found in shops, and all this the result of the much-decried dress 
reformer of earlier times. But, after all, I am discouraged to 



196 Woma?i and Health. 

see women making such wrong estimates of utility and beauty 
as still to allow the corset, weighty skirt, and their high-heeled 
shoe such favorite acceptance when so much has been taught, 
and even accepted with a show of belief in their unfitness. 
Sometimes I think it is a good deal like the sermon St. Anthony 
preached to the fishes : 

"The sermon now ended, 
Each turned and descended. 
The pikes went on stealing, 
The eels went on eeling; 
Much delighted were they, 
But preferred their old way." 



Breathing. 197 



CHAPTER XVI. 
BREATHING. 

Doctor: The health of both body and mind is more affected 
by good breathing than we have any idea of. To breathe well 
means to breathe deeply, to breathe from the abdomen. The 
abdominal muscles are the ones chiefly engaged in normal 
breathing. Their importance in this office is recognized at 
once when we turn from art to nature, and learn how the sleep- 
ing body breathes. Observe the little untrammeled body in the 
region of the breathing muscles. How different from the 
action which is performed by the adult, especially woman, 
whose breathing is confined to chest muscles, and the upper 
part of that region. So far removed from the true natural order 
is woman, so restricted her use of the body muscles, that even 
some physiologists are found to state that " woman breathes 
with the upper ribs; man with the lower ! " 

Julia: Is not that an added proof of the difference between 
the sexes, and that woman is the higher, because she breathes 
from the top of her chest? 

Viola: You are meeting this practical inquiry with ridicule, 
a weapon which is very forceful, indeed; but truth is invulner- 
able to its most pointed shaft. Will you instruct us, doctor, in 
this Breathing Art? 

Doctor: I will tell you how to breathe, so that the first food 
of the animated being, which you have learned to be air, may 
be received and appropriated to the rightful purposes of bodily 
nutrition, aid in cleansing the blood, removing impurities, 
stimulating the skin and other eliminative organs, and strength- 
ening the respiratory and other muscles of the body. But to 
render the instruction available will require some effort, which 
it is not difficult to make when you consider the great object 
sought. So, free the body muscles. They have been so bur- 
dened and imposed upon, it is no wonder the power with 



198 Woman and Health. 

which nature endowed them and which was exercised in baby- 
hood is about gone. But take courage, learn your lesson in the 
practical development of those parts designed to act so con- 
spicuously in introducing that vital nourishment into the organ- 
ism, that chief need, which, if unsupplied entirely, would quickly 
close our "earthly pilgrimage." Now, with no impediment to 
the widest use of the muscles, lie down upon a couch without 
using a pillow; lie on the back, and very slowly inhale through 
the nostrils. Hold the breath while you count mentally about 
five. Slowly exhale. What you are trying to do is to cultivate 
the use of the abdominal, not the chest, muscles. Breathe from 
the abdomen. This will not be accomplished at first. The 
ribs have so much the habit of rising with inhalation they may, 
for a time, persist, but as the abdomen learns how to rise and 
sink, through the intelligent co-operation of your will, this 
upper rib breathing will yield somewhat, and finally, after con- 
siderable practice, will give way entirely to 

True Abdominal Breathing. 

Viola: And is that all there is of it? How very simple and 
easy to comprehend. 

Doctor: Because it is the "speech of nature." In con- 
nection with the direction just given, I would recommend 
kneading, pinching, deeply stroking, rubbing the weak abdom- 
inal muscles. These movements will bring about true breath- 
ing much sooner, for it is only muscular tone that is required 
in these parts. This is really a powerful medical, as well as 
hygienic, measure. Observe what takes place in the act of a 
deep inspiration and expiration. How the viscera are pressed 
against the diaphragm, all the abdominal and pelvic contents 
prompted to yield their aid in forcing the blood forward, and 
quickly receiving the incoming flow. Thus circulation, di- 
gestion, nutrition, assimilation, etc., are promoted. Blood can- 
not stagnate in organs thus moved; congestions and mal- 
positions die a natural death. Very much might be said here, 
but you have already become acquainted with laws and prin- 
ciples which will guide in extending the application of to-day's 
lesson. 



Breathing. 199 

Julia: Is deep breathing to be practiced only when lying 
flat? 

Doctor: At first that is the position best suited to acquiring 
the habit, which is more rapidly and easily attained than in an 
upright position; but when actually able to breathe rightly, the 
upright or any other position will do. When walking or run- 
ning, or doing any active bodily work, do not perform your 
exercises in voluntary deep breathing; because when we walk, 
the abdominal muscles are called upon to assist in the loco- 
motion of the whole body, and that is a contractile effort re- 
quired as of any muscle used. For deep inhalation just the 
opposite condition, relaxation, must be reached; so the two are 
antagonistic. 

Viola: In a little book by Ciccolani I find this : " I advise 
the pupil of singing always to breathe through the nose, and 
during the hour devoted exclusively to practice, to take a sitting, 
or even a backward reclining position. This is the secret em- 
ployed by the Italian masters to develop deep breathing in 
their pupils, and it is certainly most effectual, for in this 
position the various muscles which can impede respiration are 
passive." 

Doctor: I will give you this added instruction. While 
lying, say aloud the vowel sounds, beginning with a, as a, ah, 
etc , then e, and so on through the vowels. Then take up the 
consonants. Try to say b without the e ; thus with the whole 
consonant letters. Soon as you can breathe well, stand, and 
with hands on the sides, just over the region of the lower ribs, 
take these vocal exercises. Observe that the hands would, if 
the impulse were projected sufficiently, fly off each way, the 
abdominal breathing muscles are so developed. I have fre- 
quently said to a lecture-room full of ladies: " I doubt that one 
can be found here who knows how to breathe correctly!" And 
it is true that not one in fifty had use of the abdominal muscles 
sufficiently to allow breathing from any other part than the 
upper rib region. The voice was caught and held by the larynx 
and very upper lung. With what amazement, as though I sud- 
denly dropped from some other planet, these women observe 
the motion communicated to my breathing muscles as I give 
practical illustration of the lesson. Largely, by this simple 



200 Woman and Health. 

training, over a quarter of a century ago, I was saved from 
serious throat and lung disease, and during these years have 
helped scores of weak-lunged and weaker-abdomened women 
to become deep breathers and healthy livers. 



Dietetics. 201 



CHAPTER XVII. 

DIETETICS. 
True Eating Art. 

Doctor: The True Eating Art has such potentialities for 
human advancement, that one day, through the progressive 
working of God, it will enter the practical thought of philan- 
thropists not only, but scientists, and be acknowledged a power 
in every field of human development. Eating to live, rather 
than the usual plan of living to eat, is a question which our 
limits forbid entering upon fully; it is like a great tree that 
strikes its roots deep into the soil of human life, and spreads 
its branches far over the surface of human society. I give only 
a few hints, earnestly hoping that interest may be aroused and 
desire enkindled for very thorough knowledge of these things 
which so affect human happiness and human destiny. Yes, 
human destiny. We appeal to the conscience and moral sense. 
"No man liveth to himself." I find these words in a little 
pamphlet: 

"We are social, sympathetic, and 

Morally Responsible Beings. 

The words we utter, the feelings we indulge, the thoughts we 
think, the appetites we create or foster, the spirit we manifest, 
the life we live, and the destiny we realize, all these have a 
vital and inseparable connection with our system of diet. Does 
any one deny this? He is an infidel and has denied the faith, 
not only of Christianity, but of intelligent, thoughtful man- 
hood " (and womanhood). 

"Whether ye eat, or whether ye drink, or whatsoever ye do, 
do all to the glory of God," is one of the most comprehensive, 
sublime, and beautiful precepts of Holy Writ. And surely that 
creature most truly obeys, most truly honors and glorifies its 



202 Woman and Health. 

Creator in eating and drinking, which selects the most appro- 
priate diet to nourish and invigorate it, so as to attain the 
highest degree of sound health, and maintain it to the longest 
possible period of existence. Any deliberate deviation from 
the known laws of life and health, is not only sinful, but 
suicidal. " Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever 
a man soweth that shall be also reap. He that soweth to the 
flesh," by his eating and drinking that which stimulates his 
sensual nature, the baser appetites, or the morbid cravings of 
diseased stomachs, " shall of the flesh reap corruption." Knowl- 
edge sufficient to qualify one for deciding intelligently upon 
dietetic questions is very easily attainable, and the power 
which woman may exert here is beyond estimate. For the 
mother not only influences, but guides her children into ways 
which may prepare them to become stalwart warriors in the 
battle of life. The difficulties which beset her pathway are 
met by that inward strength which enables her to encounter 
joyfully and triumphantly overcome them. For she knows her 
work is to tell upon the years to come, when, with sound con- 
stitutions, and simple, natural habits, her ** little men and 
women " step out from under the sheltering branches of the 
home-tree, well prepared for their life-work in whatever part of 
the great vineyard it is appointed. The service of woman who 
is not wife or mother is no less available and demanded. The 
diet of the future will not be decided by custom or perverted 
appetency, but by enlightened judgment. The spirit of prog- 
ress which has led whole nations to the various points of ex- 
cellence now attained, as seen in the rapid strides made in 
science and art, will not overlook or neglect this pivotal center 
upon which turn the mighty interests of human development. 
Woman, in whatever position in society, finds here a mission. 
She must prepare herself to fulfill it, learn the needs of the 
physical body, make herself acquainted with its composition 
and the elements which go to sustain it, and select food which 
contains them. She is capable of leading man, even to the 
very summit of right endeavor, where the clamorous voice of 
appetite is stilled. "The winds are all hushed, and the waters 
at rest." His intellect perceives the wisdom of the Pytha- 
gorean teaching, " Fix upon that course of life which is best; 
custom will render it most delightful." 



Dietetics. 203 

I will introduce you to one of the most learned, scientific, 
and practical writers of the age, Jonathan Pereira, M. D., 
F. R. L., and L. S., well known throughout England and 
America. From his teachings it will be our privilege to gather 
facts relating to food, which will aid in answering the vexed 
question, 

What is Food ? 

Julia: That is an easy question, and I know all about it. 
In fact, who does not? Food is things to eat; something 
people like, because it tastes good; it makes them feel better. 
It ought to be rich, for then it gives more strength. I mean it 
should contain a large proportion of fat, lard, butter, and cream. 
Well seasoned, too — plenty of salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard, 
and spices. Some things should be very sweet. Tea and coffee 
must be strong, and real hot, with good cream and sugar, if you 
like. I do not believe in poor bread. It ought to be white, 
and yeast bread may be good with only a little lard; but 
biscuits need to be rich, and well raised with baking powder 
and soda, and eaten hot. Good rich pastry, puddings, cakes, 
preserves, pickles and table sauces ought to form a part of the 
day's living; and fresh meat is indispensable three times a 
day. If that cannot be had, pickled or salted meat. I have 
always had dyspepsia, in fact, never have known what health 
is; sick headaches every few days prevent me taking a mouth- 
ful of food for hours and hours; then, again, I have to get up 
and eat a good lunch in the middle of the night, or I would 
faint. Brother has been induced to join the temperance society 
since his last " attack." The doctor said he would die if he 
did not quit using whisky. Poor fellow! we have to keep fix- 
ing up good dishes for him to eat, he is so tormented with that 
craving for stimulants. But I have trespassed on your time, 
yet what less could one say? This subject seems such a vast 
one, and I always did like to talk about eating. There are so 
many articles in the papers and magazines now that have some- 
thing to say about food; I am quite interested in reading, yet 
do not learn very much. 

Viola: But the doors of nature's treasure-house are opened 
wide; they have yielded to the pick and chisel of science; 



204 Woman and Health. 

mystery and baseless notion no longer hover about its portals; 
the stifling atmosphere of ignorance no more pervades its 
spacious chambers. We have free access to all departments, 
may gather precious foundation stones, and build upon them 
structures enduring as humanity, for they are laid in God's own 
truth. 

Julia: Your talk is all new to me. I never realized that 
the science of dietetics had any very important bearing. But 
I wish to learn all about it. 

Doctor: There is no science of dietetics. It is proper to 
say the art of dietetics, or dietetic art is better. There is an 
important distinction between science and art. As the facts 
of chemistry are so valuable in yielding a knowledge of the re- 
lations between food and the human organism, Viola will give 
from Pereira a concise statement of the 

Chemical Elements of Foods. 

Viola: All known bodies, mineral and organized, are com- 
posed of fifty-five or fifty-six Chemical Elements. From these ele- 
ments chemists fail to extract other substances of entirely 
different properties. Hence they are called simple or chemical 
elements. Nineteen of these simple elements have been found 
in organized bodies, animal and vegetable. Thirteen of these 
nineteen elements are regarded as essential constituents of the 
human body. Therefore, the same must be the elements of 
our food. 

From Pereira I copy this table of the 

Chemical Elements of the Food of Man. 

1. Carbon. 6. Sulphur. 10. Calcium. 

2. Hydrogen. 7. Iron. II. Potassium. 

3. Oxygen. 8. Chlorine. 12. Magnesium. 

4. Nitrogen. 9. Sodium. 13. Fluorine. 

5. Phosphorus. 

Proximate Elements of Food. 

Water, Gum, Starch, Lignine, Jelly, Fat, Fibrine, Albumen, 
Caseine, Gluten, Gelatine, Acids, Salts, and Alcohol. 



Dietetics. 205 

These are all compounded of two or more chemical ele- 
ments, and all, except alcohol, produced in the process of 
organic growth and development in the vegetable kingdom. 
Alcohol is the result of death and putrefaction of organic 
matter. 

Doctor: As the point should be thoroughly understood, 
please tell us what foods proper are. 

Viola: Foods are compounds of these proximate elements in 
various proportions, just as these are compounds of the ultimate 
chemical elements. No?ie of these proximate elements of food, 
alone, are capable of prolo?iged nutrition in animals. Another 
fact is learned by experiment. Chemically tested, a substance 
may seem to yield much in nutritive properties, but experience 
proves the lack of alimentary power in the substance. For 
instance, dogs fed on fine flour, butter, and sugar die of star- 
vation, though at first they grow plump and fat. So of horses, 
if fed on the most nutritious grains. Examples are only too 
abundant of human beings, whose food consists of superfine 
flour, fats, sweets, and starchy substances, becoming diseased 
and weakly. 

Doctor: Describe each of these proximate elements, so that 
we may become familiar with them, which it is useful to do. 

Viola: Water, constituting about three-fourths of the entire 
weight of the body, is essential to the performance of all the 
vital processes, and may be called a liquid element. All the 
other elements, or foods, are solid, or solids dissolved in water. 
"Water," says Pereira, " is probably the drink of adults. It 
serves several important purposes in the animal economy. 
First, it repairs the loss of the aqueous part of the blood, caused 
by evaporation and the action of the secreting and exhaling 
organs. Secondly, it is a solvent of various alimentary substances, 
and, therefore, assists the stomach in the act of digestion. 
Thirdly, it is probably a nutritive agent; that is, it assists in the 
formation of the solid parts of the body." The water, which 
constitutes the principal part of the blood and of the living 
tissues, assists in several ways in carrying on the vital processes. 
"The blood," says Dr. Prout — "the solid organized particles 
are transported from one place to another, arranged in the place 
desired, and again are finally removed and expelled from the 



206 Woman and Health. 

body chiefly by the agency of the water present. Lastly, water 
contributes to most of the transpositions which occur in the 
body. As a solvent, it serves not only to aid digestion, but 
also to effect other changes." Gum is the mucilaginous prin- 
ciple. It exists almost universally in vegetables and plants. 
Arabic, Senegal, East Indian, Barbary, Tragacanth, Cherry, 
Plum exude from the stems of trees and plants. It is found in 
barley meal, oat meal, wheat meal, rye meal, corn, rice, pease, 
beans, potatoes, cabbage, pears, gooseberries, cherries, apricots, 
peaches, linseed, marsh-mallow root, almonds, etc. Sugar is 
very generally distributed throughout the vegetable kingdom. 
It is found in the grains, barley, rye, oats, wheat, corn, rice, 
etc.; in fruits, grapes, apples, pears, peaches, berries, cherries, 
etc.; in vegetables, carrots, beets, potatoes, pease, etc.; in nuts, 
also, and in milk. Starch is found in the seeds, fruits, roots, 
stems, tubercles, and masses of a large portion of the vegetable 
kingdom. It is called the amylaceous alimentary principle. 
The grains, wheat, rye, corn, barley, oats, rice, contain it; also 
pease, beans, potatoes, arrowroot, Iceland moss, etc. Starch 
made from grains is used as a food, but it is far inferior to the 
whole grain as a dietetic article. As a dessert it may be em- 
ployed, but not as nutriment. The different kinds of amy- 
laceous matters in use are sago, tapioca, arrowroot, rice, starch, 
potato-starch, corn-starch, and a preparation of Iceland moss. 
Lignine is the woody fiber which constitutes the basis of all 
vegetable structure. It forms the skin of potatoes, grapes, 
gooseberries, etc.; the peel and core of apples and pears, with 
skin and stone of peaches, plums, apricots, etc.; the seed coats 
of the kernels of nuts; the membranous coverings of beans and 
pease; the rind of melons, cucumbers, etc., and the bran of 
grains. Linnaeus states that the Laplanders eat bark bread, 
made from the bark of a species of pine, during a great part of 
the winter, and sometimes even during the whole year. 

Doctor: The ligneous matters of our vegetable foods are as 
important as any other; for, while they are sometimes put down 
by authors as innutritious, none other, not even all of them 
together, can sustain the body in health if there is no admix- 
ture of this woody element. It is now well proved that it 
is not in the mecha7iical stimulus alone, serving to promote the 



Dietetics. 207 

action of the bowels, that its chief value resides. Dr. Prout 
remarks: " Of the numerous shapes assumed by lignine, the best 
adapted for excremental purposes is undoubtedly the external 
of the seeds of the cerealia, and particularly of the wheat. 
Bread, therefore, made with undressed flour, or even with an 
extra quantity of bran, is the best form in which farinaceous 
and excremental matter can usually be taken; not only in dia- 
betes, but in most of the other varieties of dyspepsia accom- 
panied by obstinate constipation. This is a remedy the effi- 
cacy of which has long been known and admitted; yet, strange 
to say, the generality of mankind choose to consult their taste 
rather than their reason, and by officiously separating what 
nature has beneficially combined, entail upon themselves dis- 
comfort and misery." 

Viola: Jelly is found in most animals and vegetables. The 
Pectinaceous Alimentary Principle of Pereira is Vegetable Jelly. 
Pectine is derived from a word meaning coagidum. Vegetable 
jelly has for its base starch and pectine, or pectic acid. One 
or both of them are found in most pulpy fruits: in currants, 
apples, pears, quinces, peaches, grapes; all the berries, oranges, 
lemons, cherries, etc. It is obtained also from beets, carrots, 
turnips, celery, onions, etc. Sugar promotes the solidification 
of pectine and pectic acid, and it is employed in making jellies. 
The Acidulous Alimentary Principle is constituted of the 
Organic Acids. These are the Acetic, Citric, Tartaric, Malic, 
Oxalic, and Lactic. Acetic acid is the acid of vinegar. Like 
alcohol, it is the result of fermentation. The habitual use of it 
is injurious. 

Citric Acid, Concrete Acid of Lemons, is found in the juice of 
the lemon, orange, lime, citron, shaddock, and other citrous 
fruits. The cranberry has it. Mixed with an equal quantity of 
malic acid, it is found in the gooseberry, red currant, straw- 
berry, raspberry, cherry, and bilberry. It is in the pulp of the 
tamarind, mixed with both malic and tartaric acid. Tartaric 
Acid, in free state, is found in tamarinds, grapes, and pine- 
apples. In the form of Cream of Tartar it exists in tamarinds, 
grapes, and mulberries. Malic Acid, or acid of apples, pears, 
quinces, plums, apricots, peaches, cherries, gooseberries, cur- 
rants, strawberries, raspberries, pine-apples, barberries, elder-- 



208 Woman and Health. 

berries, grapes, tamarinds, and several other fruits. Oxalic 
Acid is found in rhubarb, sorrel, and some other plants. Lactic 
Acid, or Milk Acid, exists in sour milk. It is also formed when 
various vegetables become sour. Trail says: "This acid, like 
vinegar, a product of decomposition instead of organic for- 
mation, is in no sense an aliment." The Oily Alimentary Prin- 
ciple — oleaginous elements. Oils are of two kinds, fixed and 
volatile. Fixed oils include all fatty substances employed as 
food, whether obtained from animals or vegetables. Fat, suet, 
tallow, lard, marrows, grease, butter, and blubber are derived 
from the animal kingdom. Olive oil, cotton-seed oil, almond 
oil, and other nut oils from vegetables. " Fixed oils or fats," 
says Pereira, " are more difficult of digestion, and more ob- 
noxious to the system, than any other alimentary principle. 
Indeed, in some obvious or concealed form, I believe they will 
be found to be the offending ingredient in nine-tenths of the 
dishes which disturb weak stomachs." 

Doctor: Fats are peculiarly apt to become rancid on ex- 
posure to the air; a high degree of heat also produces chemical 
changes which render them extremely irritating to the diges- 
tive organs. Fried dishes of all kinds are an abomination to the 
stomach, and food cooked in butter is obnoxious, because 
under the influence of heat the acrid volatile acids of butter are 
set free. That is why melted butter, buttered toast, buttered 
cakes, pastry, suet pudding, and all such dishes are so hurtful. 
The vegetable fixed oils are less indigestible than the animal, 
and have less tendency to putrescence. I believe that persons 
living on a simple, unstimulating diet will find the employment 
of these oils to be entirely satisfactory, especially in cold 
weather. There is such a variety of nuts, one can make choice 
of the less oily, perhaps, if the richer give disturbance. These 
would form a part of the meal, of course, and never be taken 
alone or after a full meal. 

Viola: Volatile Oils belong to Vegetable Oils, and are useful 
in condiments. Mint, marjoram, savory, sage, and thyme, 
called sweet herbs; and caraway, anise, fennel, parsley, mus- 
tard, horse-radish, water cresses, garlics, onions, eschalots, owe 
their peculiar flavoring power to volatile oil; as also do the 
spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, allspice, pepper, and 



Dietetics. 209 

ginger. These oils stimulate, but do not nourish; they have 
no value as aliments. The Proteinaceous Alimentary Principle: 
Albuminous Substances are Vegetable Fibrine, Albumen, Casei?ie, 
Gluten. The fibrine, albumen, and caseine of vegetables are 
chemically identical with those of animals. Vegetable fibrine 
exists abundantly in wheat, rye, oats, barley, corn, buckwheat, 
rice, and the juice of grapes. Animal Fibrine is the principal 
constituent of lean flesh, and is found in the blood. Vegetable 
Albumen is found in abundance in oily seeds, almonds, nuts, 
etc.; also in wheat and other grains; the juice of turnips, aspar- 
agus, etc. The animal albumen exists in the solid state in 
flesh, glands, and viscera, in the fluid state of the egg, and in the 
serum of the blood. Vegetable Caseine, or Legumen, found chiefly 
in pease, beans, lentils; the leguminous seeds; almonds, nuts, 
and other oily seeds contain it with albumen; it is also con- 
tained in many vegetable juices. Animal Caseine is the coagu- 
lable matter in milk, and forms its curd. Cheese is the coagu- 
lated caseine deprived of its whey, and mixed with more or 
less of butter. When rich with butter, cheese is very liable 
to undergo spontaneous decomposition and generate active 
poisons. The strong flavor of old cheese depends on oleic acid 
and an acrid oil, which is extremely unwholesome; while as a 
food liquid caseine and fresh cheese curd are wholesome articles. 
Gluten: This is the substance left after washing away the gum, 
sugar, and starch of wheaten dough. It is a mixture of several 
organic principles. It renders wheaten flour adhesive, and is 
capable of being manufactured into pastes, as macaroni, vermi- 
celli, etc. Because wheat contains more gluten than the other 
grains, it is superior for making fermented bread and crackers. 
But the panary fermentation must not proceed beyond the 
point of converting the sugar of the flour into carbonic acid 
gas, which being diffused among the particles of gluten raises 
the dough; for here begins decomposition of the gluten, which 
is decay. Flour deprived of the gluten of the wheat, under 
which general name may be classed the phosphatic and nitrog- 
enous elements — which are stored principally between the 
outer wraps and the inner starch body of the kernel — has lost 
the greater part of its blood-making materials. The Gelatinous 
Alimentary Principle: Gelatine is derived from the gelatinous 
14 



210 Woman and Health. 

tissues of animals, the skin, tendons, cartilages, cellular and 
serous membranes. A trembling jelly is obtained, called animal 
jelly. It is used as food for invalids. Calves' foot jelly used 
to be a great favorite; but it is less esteemed now, as it is well 
known to be inferior to even simple gruel as a nutriment. 
Isinglass and hartshorn are gelatinous substances employed in 
the preparation of jellies. The Saline Alimentary Principle: 
Saline matters are essential constituents of the blood, of the 
organized tissues, and of the secretions. They are, therefore, 
necessary components of our food; for without them health and 
vitality cannot be maintained. These matters exist in small, 
but varying, proportions in fruits, vegetables, and grains. None 
but chloride of sodium is used as a condiment, and it is as such 
not essential, nature having combined it to suit the dietetic 
needs of men and animals. This is true of the earthy phos- 
phates found in food. Wheat, rye, barley, oats, caseine, milk, 
flesh, etc., supply the system with the due amount of salts and 
phosphates. Minute quantities of potash salts are found in 
most vegetable food and in the blood, solids, and secretions of 
animals. 

Doctor: You have laid the authorities in chemistry and 
dietetics under heavy contribution, and these gathered facts 
will form the foundation of an enduring superstructure. It is 
only the truths of nature you seek to incorporate, and that is 
well, for 

" Laboring art can never ransom Nature 
From her inaidable estate." 

The unwisdom of attempting to do what nature does so in- 
finitely better without our interference, is made conspicuous in 
our miserable failures. Chemistry so claims our admiration for 
the marvelous discoveries and triumphant revealings in the 
realm of matter, that our self-love and pride of scientific 
attainment are liable to become so inflated and overpowering 
that we fancy ourselves able to supply whatever factor it 
pleases us to consider lacking in the domain of physiology. 
Because chemistry can tell some things, it does not follow 
that there is no line at which the " proud waves " of chemical 
analysis are stayed. 



Dietetics. 211 

There is such a line, and that is precisely where life reigns 
sovereign and will always preside. It is from the living body 
that experience establishes the facts of nutrition. Chemistry 
analyzes the substance of an animal body, and tells of its com- 
position. Inferring from the knowledge thus gained what ele- 
ments are essential for the nourishment of a like animal, we 
supply the elements which go to make flesh, bone, and all the 
substances of the body. 

• Results speedily prove that some very essential agent has 
been overlooked. The proximate principles, chemical ele- 
ments, are there supplied, but why does the body languish? 
What is lacking? " That mysterious, pervading power, vitality, 
which will not yield her scepter to another." This is nature's 
"inaidable estate." She has assigned human endeavor its prov- 
ince, and demands implicit regard for the limits beyond which it 
is not lawful to pass. When chemistry is thrust into the domain 
of vitality, when alimentary substances, which hold a normal 
relation to the vital organism, are displaced by made foods re- 
puted to supply some lack existing in some particular portion 
of the system, it seems not to be understood that such meddle- 
someness is hurtful to the best interests of the vital system. 
No amount or kind of approximate principles, as such, are 
assimilated; for instance, if lime, sulphur, sodium, etc., are 
lacking in any part of the body, the need can be supplied by 
food which holds these approximate principles intact, as nature 
provides them, not devitalized by any process of separation 
and exclusion of component parts. Grains, fruits, and vegetables 
are found to contain all the elements that go to make up body, and to 
sustain it in health and strength; so it seems reasonable to look to 
them for supply, and not to the mere approximate elements. 

Julia: If grains, fruits, and vegetables contain all the food 
elements, why use the flesh of animals? 

Doctor: There is no better reason for its use than that it is 
a custom, and notion says, " You must eat meat." Animal flesh 
is by no means the worst of food — nor is it the best. 

Julia : 

What are Animals Created for 

if not to be used by man as food? If not killed and eaten the 
land would soon be overrun by them. 



212 Woman and Health. 

Doctor : You have the old argument, the utilitarian. As 
a Church woman you are familiar with that ancient hymn, the 
"Benedicite." What does it say? 

" O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, 
O all ye fowls of the air, 
O all ye beasts and cattle, 
Bless ye the Lord, praise Him, and magnify Him forever." 

Julia: Will you point out some of the objections to the use 
of flesh as food? 

Viola: Allow me to delay your answer, doctor; for I have 
something to offer, unshaped as it is. Man has been called 
" the epitome of the universe." In his body are contained the 
elements that comprise the kingdoms beneath him, and in him 
are represented the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms. 
He is born on the lowest, the animal plane; in common with 
all animals, his first needs are only those of animal existence. 
But unlike animals, he has all the potentialities of a celestial 
angel. And this inborn 

"Witness of the Spirit" 

continually operates to draw him outward and upward, to the 
higher, the spiritual. By reason of man's freedom of the will, 
he may choose to yield to this inner prompting, or may try to 
content himself with the lower, mere animal life. His unre- 
generate tendencies bear wholly in this direction. Would he 
be "born again" — born " from above"? Would he pick up 
the golden threads which have become entangled or obscure, 
and follow their leadings back to God? He must then learn 
to "subdue all things" which hinder. If in his animal nature 
all the animal kingdom is represented, the good and the bad, I 
think if he does not feed and nourish and propagate the bad, 
they'll not trouble him long. Select the good, such as corre- 
spond to the best affections. Ask any child which it would 
rather be like, an innocent little lamb or a ferocious wild-cat, 
and you are sure of your answer in favor of the lamb. Teach 
the child that by cultivating the disposition in himself of one 
or the other, he becomes like it. Now — is this entirely too 
fanciful? May it not be helpful to bring this same thought to 
bear upon our food? For instance, if we wish to foster traits 



Dietetics. 213 

which are like those of carnivorous animals, feed on the food 
which suits their natural constitution. 

Doctor: " It cannot be a matter of indifference what a man 
eats and drinks. He is, in fact, choosing his animal and moral 
character when he selects his food." — Lancet What did you 
ask, Julia? Oh, yes. Objections to animal food. Perhaps what 
was just said ought to be counted one, and first. It confirms 
bad animal propensities, and so is a hinderance to spiritual 
growth. Purely physical considerations would be those which 
relate to the supply of nutriment, in which it is abundantly 
proved that vegetable products excel, and to the 

Diseases Connected with Food, 

where we find animal food pre-eminent. There is a general 
sketch given by Parkes, in his large work on Practical Hygiene. 
In his microscopic examination of meat, he says, " In the flesh 
of cattle, or of the pig, cysticerci may be found. They are gen- 
erally visible to the naked eye as small round bodies. When 
placed under a microscope with low power, their real nature 
is seen; they are sometimes so numerous as to cause the flesh 
to crackle on section. The smallest cysticercus noticed by 
Leuckart in the pig was about four one-hundredths of an inch 
long, and three one-hundredths broad; but they are generally 
much larger and will reach to two-tenths or three-tenths or 
three-fourths of an inch. 

" In some countries they are extremely common in cattle, 
cysticercus of the ox produces in man " tape-worm. In sheep, 
Cobbold has described a cysticercus with a double crown of 
hooks, twenty-six in number. He thinks that probably a 
special tenia (tape-worm) may arise from this. Trichina may 
be present in the flesh of the pig ; if encapsuled they will be 
seen with the naked eye as small round specks, but very often 
a microscope is necessary. The so-called Raineys capsules are 
little, almost transparent bodies found in the flesh of oxen, 
sheep, and pigs, and Mr. Rainey states they increase in size as 
the animal gets older. Their length varies from one three- 
hundredth to one-fourth of an inch. They are narrow, lie in 
the sarcolemma, and appear often not to irritate the muscle. 



214 Woman and Health. 

In pigs these bodies sometimes produce paralysis of the hind 
legs, and a spotted or nodular eruption. In sheep they have 
been known to produce abscesses in the gullet, a swelling as 
large as a nut, containing a milky, purulent-looking fluid, with 
myriads of these corpuscles in it. Sheep affected in this way 
often die suddenly. It is by no means improbable that man may 
be affected by the use of flesh thus infested. Doubtless a very 
great quantity of 

Meat from Diseased Animals 

is brought into the market, and it is impossible to know what is 
diseased and what is not. Instances are not uncommon in which 
persons, after partaking of butchers' meat, have been taken 
seriously ill with gastro-intestinal symptoms, resembling chol- 
era at first, and afterward typhoid fever. On analysis of the 
meat no poison has been found. But we must conclude, from 
general principles, that all diseases must affect the composition of 
the flesh] and as the composition of our own bodies is inextri- 
cably blended with the composition of the substances we eat, it 
must be of the greatest importance for health to have these 
substances as pure as possible. 

Animal poisons and infested meats may be partially neu- 
tralized or destroyed by cooking; but no preparation can 
remove the influence which these poisons exert on the compo- 
sition of the muscles. Poisonous symptoms are sometimes 
produced by the flesh of even healthy animals. Pork, when the 
pig showed no signs of disease, has often given rise to even 
cholera symptoms. So of some kinds of fish; and oysters also 
produce severe gastro-intestinal irritation. 

The flesh of healthy animals, when decomposing, often gives 
rise to the same disorder — vomiting, purging, and great depres- 
sion, and sometimes severe febrile symptoms occur. Cooking 
does not appear to check the decomposition. Sausages, pork 
pies, and even beefsteak pies, sometimes become poisonous 
from the formation of an as yet unknown substance — which is, 
perhaps, of a fatty nature. The symptoms are severe intestinal 
irritation, followed rapidly by nervous oppression and collapse. 
Neither salts nor spices hinder the production of this poison. 



Dietetics. 215 

Dr. Ballard has reported two very remarkable cases of poi- 
soning by ham and hot baked pork. In both cases numbers 
of persons who partook of the meat were taken ill, and some 
died. Dr. Blein examined the meat, and found it loaded with 
baccilli, which were also found in the organs of the fatal cases. 
Oysters and shell-fish, when decomposing, also produce marked 
symptoms of the same kind. 

The fresh and riot decomposing flesh of diseased animals 
causes, in many cases, injurious effects; and the probability is 
that, when attention is directed to this subject, the effect of 
diseased meat will be found to be more considerable than at 
present believed. 

The flesh of over-driven animals is said by Professor Gamgee 
to contain a poison which often produces eczema on the skin 
of those who handle it, and eating the flesh is said to have been 
attended with bad effects. Chronic wasting diseases, phthisis, 
dropsy, etc., in cattle give rise to sickness and diarrhoea. Grave 
doubts have recently arisen as to whether tuberculosis may 
not be communicable to man through flesh of cattle suffering 
from that disease. 

Malignant pustule in cattle is by some good authority 
thought to be the cause of the same affection in those who 
have partaken of the flesh. 

Menschel has recorded a case in which twenty-four persons 
were seized with malignant pustule after eating the flesh of 
beasts suffering from the disease. 

It is also stated that pigs fed on the flesh got the disease, 
and that a woman who ate some of the diseased pork was also 
attacked. 

With regard to erysipelas carbunculosum, Dr. Keith men- 
tions two cases of death by poisoning from eating the flesh of 
an animal affected. 

Medicines given to sick animals produce in those who eat 
the flesh vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Arsenic is sometimes given, and the flesh may contain 
enough arsenic to be dangerous. 

Viola: I saw at once what must be the result of eating dis- 
eased flesh, and it now appears that objections quite similar 
apply to healthy animals as food. The materials which freight 



216 Woman and Health. 

the blood on their way to the eliminating organs, there to be 
thrown out as effete, poisonous matter constituting the excreta 
of the system, bile, urine, sweat, faeces, etc., are, at the instant 
life becomes extinct, arrested in their course, consequently re- 
tained in the flesh of the animal, and necessarily consumed by 
the eater. This is a well-known, but disgusting fact — that meat 
owes its stimulating property to the presence of this effete 
matter. 

Julia: But in sickness we have to use beef-tea, as every 
one knows, and the doctors always prescribe it. 

Doctor: Viola, read aloud that leaflet by T. R. Allinson, 
L. R. C. P., of London, Eng. 

Viola : 

The Beef-tea Delusion. 

The question of the importance of beef-tea in sickness and 
in ailments of every kind is constantly thrown at the non-flesh- 
eater. The beef-eater thinks he has got us in a corner and 
posed us, when he brings forward the beef-tea question. He 
asks you why it is always ordered by the doctor, leaving you to 
infer that beef-tea is the sheet-anchor in disease, and that with- 
out it the patient would die of a certainty. Now, let us look at 
the composition of Liebig's extract, then of " real good beef- 
tea," so called. Liebig's extract is made from lean beef, so 
that, in the first place, all its fatty or carbonaceous matter is 
absent. In the second place, it contains no albumen, as that 
is left behind in the muscle. Then what does it consist of? 
Chiefly of excrementitious matters, such as leucosin, tyrosin, 
xanthin, sarcolactic acid, with other extractive matters and 
salts. These substances are stimulant and poisonous, so that 
to feed any one on such stuff is equal to giving him slow poison. 
Liebig's extract, then, instead of being nourishing, is harmful; 
when examined by the light of common science (that is, com- 
mon sense), its real hurtful properties are seen. Yet thousands 
of people are deluded by the wide-spread advertisements of 
this company. 

People imagine it must be good, since forty pounds of flesh 
yield only one of extract. As if one could compress forty 
pounds of nourishment into one pound. It is impossible! 



Dietetics. 217 

Next, home-made beef-tea must be seen to. The kind, 
motherly lady tells you her beef-tea is genuine and strong, and 
forms a good solid jelly when cold. On the strength of this 
tottering or trembling mass she imagines it must be good and 
nourishing. Let us see how she makes it. She buys lean beef, 
and carefully removes all the fat; then minces it fine and puts 
it in a jar in the oven; no water must be added, or any other 
material. At the end of two or three hours she removes it, 
and presses out all the fluid, taking care to remove all traces 
of fat. This is her beef-tea, which on going cold forms a 
jelly. This is a very little better than Liebig's extract, except 
that it contains a little albumen as well, which causes it to form 
a jelly. And this albumen is all the nourishment it contains; 
verily is it a poor and expensive kind of food! Now, to show 
the value of beef-tea, I will give the result of some French ex- 
periments on dogs. Two sets were taken, as much like each 
other as possible, and kept apart. The best beef-tea that 
science could make was made, and one set of dogs was fed on 
it, whilst the other set of dogs was fed on the refuse left in 
making the beef-tea for the first set. The results were that the 
beef-tea-fed dogs died of slow starvation, whilst those fed on 
the refuse lived on, and seemed very little the worse for the 
experiment. Our opponents do not know this, or we should 
hear little more of the beef-tea delusion. 

You may, then, want to know how it is that doctors order 
it. I answer, for two reasons. First, because they do not 
know the composition of it, and would be considered guilty of 
negligence if they did not order it; secondly, those who do 
know its composition often order it when they wish to starve 
a person, and thus rid him of his disease; or they order it to 
be made with rice, barley, etc., and then they know it is nour- 
ishing. When beef-eating patients want beef-tea, I always or- 
der the above to be added to it. 

Julia: I can relinquish my beef-tea, when sick, in favor of 
your substitute, vegetable-tea and bran-tea, and fruit-juices, but 
the wonder, What am I to eat, when well, if I give up meat? 
will intrude itself, and — 

Viola: In the " Dietetic Reformer," you will find answer in 
these words of Mrs. C. A. Soule: 



218 Woman and Health. 



Nothing to Eat, If I Give Up My Meat. 



' But I shall have nothing to eat, nothing to eat, 
If I give up my meat, if I give up my meat! " 
So said a friend the other day 
When I begged him to eat in wisdom's way. 
Nothing to eat, if you give up your meat? 
Did you never hear of barley, of oats, of rye, of wheat, 
Of bread, of biscuits, of rusks, of scones? 
All of them good for muscles and bones! 
Did you never hear of pudding and pies, 
Pleasant to taste, and fair to the eyes? 
Did you never hear of the buckwheat cakes 
Which the Yankee wife on the griddle bakes? 
Did you never hear of that wonderful dish, 
Porridge, with milk or cream as you wish? 
Did you never hear of wheaten grits, 
And how they sharpen up your wits? 

Did you never hear of sago, tapioca, pearl barley, and rice, 
And hominy Pancakes, hot and nice ? 
Did you never hear of the meal of " maize," 
And the Johnny cakes it will raise ? 
Of southern Pones and puddings hasty. 
Both so healthy and both so tasty? 
Did you never hear of vermicelli broth? 
To taste it you'd be nothing loath; 
While macaroni boiled with cheese 
Will put your stomach quite at ease; 
And if you've supper late at night, 
A bowl of arrowroot is light; 
While semolina a dish will make 
You'll find it pleasant to partake. 
Did you never think that out of the earth 
A thousand good things to eat have birth? 
Think of the turnips, cabbage, Potatoes, 
Parsnips, carrots, cauliflowers, and tomatoes! 
Think of Indian corn fresh from the ear, 
And Lima beans from the poles so near! 
Why, one could live on Succatash, 
So long as he has his teeth to gnash! 
Then think of the soup of onions and lentils, 
Fit for Jews as well as the Gentiles; 
Think of pease so green and beets so red, 
And parsley and kale with curly head; 
Of string and shell and haricot beans. 
They'll put the flesh on puny weans. 
And there are the radishes red and white, 
And pumpkins dressed in orange bright; 
Summer and winter squashes in yellow, 
And marrows with pulp so rich and mellow; 
Cucumbers from the vines so fair, 
And salsify, tasting like dainty rare; 
Celery, good for unsteady nerve; 
Okra, in stew and soap to serve; 
Asparagus fit for king or queen 
With bits of toast served in between; 



Dietetics. 219 



Mushrooms gathered ere sun is up, 

With dewdrops fresh on each snowy cup; 

Spinach, with sauce of tiny capers, 

And lettuce crisp as the fairies' papers; 

Sweet -potatoes from sunny south. 

Melting in richness in your mouth; 

And yams that are bigger and sweeter still, 

Each one serving a platter to fill; 

And, let me think — yes, Brussels sprouts 

Will help this list to just make out. 

And think of the things that grow on trees 

And sun themselves softly in every breeze— 

Apples green, yellow, russet, and red 

(What a thought they put in old Newton's head), 

And Peaches, plums, cherries, and pears, 

Nectarines, apricots, pine-apples rare, 

Oranges, lemons, limes, figs, quinces, and dates, 

Greengages, egg-plums, and damsons late; 

Prunes, pomegranates, bananas, olives green, 

With shaddocks and bread-fruit mixed between. 

Surely one could live a week, 

And ne'er forbidden fruit need seek. 

Think too of strawberries, raspberries, 

Blackberries, gooseberries, barberries, 

And cranberries lifting their ruby heads 

From their damp and mossy and quivering beds; 

And if you go to New England think of huckleberry pie 

(Ah, friend! eat that when it's fresh— and die; 

For never will earth give a greater treat 

In the shape of something that's good to eat). 

Think of the melons — so manv kinds — 

And the richness hid beneath their rinds; 

Think of the grapes— white, green, purple, and red, 

They'll never make you feel queer in your head; 

Think of grapes when fresh and grapes when dried— 

But for them old Crusoe might have died — 

Oh! the pure juice fresh from the ripened skin 

Will warm you without and warm you within, 

And never make you a shaky thing, 

Nor ruin nor misery on you bring. 

And think of currants — red, white, and black; 

And tamarinds a nice drink will make 

If feverish you should chance to wake. 

Then think of the nuts so many and fine 

To serve for dessert whenever you dine; 

And of the preserves from distant climes— 

Ginger and orange, citron and limes ; 

And of all the jellies the good wife makes, 

And of all the custards and tarts she bakes; 

Of the creams and ices and candied fruit, 

Surely these would a monarch suit. 

And more than these I might write down 

If I gazed at shops within the town. 

I use just now familiar names, 

Passing those of a higher fame; 

I only want to show you that, 

Be you lean or be you fat, 



220 Woman and Health. 

If you consent to give up meat 
You'll find enough that's good to eat. 
With fresh eggs, cream cheese, and butter, 
I'm sure I see no need that you mutter, 
" Nothing to eat, nothing to eat, 
Nothing to eat if I give up my meatl " 
And with milk, sugar, coffee, and tea, 
You ought to be merry as merry can be. 
Oh, there's plenty to eat, plenty to eat— 
Out of the ground you can raise your food, 
And you'll find it healthy, nutritious, and good. 
Then give up your meat, give up your meat, 
We'll find you enough that is good to eat. 

Dietetic Reform. 

" Earth shall bless you, O noble emenders 

Of the nations. Ye shall lead 
The ploughshare of the world, and sow new splendors 

Into the furrows of things for seed,— 
Ever the richer for what you have given." 

Doctor: " The monstrous evils and abuses, which gradually 
and stealthily have invaded our daily foods and drinks, have 
now reached to such a pitch that they can no longer be winked 
at. He who desires to work for the improvement of the human 
species, for the elevation of the human soul, and the invigo- 
ration of the human body, dares not leave uncontested the 
general, dominant unnaturalness of living." 

These words from Strube convey the sentiments of every 
one at all awake to the tendencies of those evils and abuses. 
Nor are the difficulties to be encountered, in attempting to re- 
move the fixed prejudices which are so long established and 
so deeply rooted in human society, to be lightly considered. 
The torpor of our religious people, the unsympathizing attitude 
of the world's earnest workers in almost every other humani- 
tarian field, and the ungenerous, merciless conduct of those 
whose habits are founded on mere custom, the outgrowth of 
false and often pernicious notions, are obstacles mountain 
high. 

Viola: Some one has said 

Custom is Mighty, 

but it is not almighty. May not even the " great minority " 
promote the cause of humanity by drawing heavily upon the 
stores of both science and religion, and thus make custom an 
ally? 



Dietetics. 221 

Doctor: Religion! Here is the glaring defect. It seems to 
me that man is not practically looked upon as a religious being 
in any way relating to the body. Whatever concerns his food 
and drink, clothing, housing, and sanitation is separated from 
all thought of him as a religious being. It was not so in Bible 
times. Nor were the lines between the Hebrews and surround- 
ing nations so indistinct as those which would separate Chris- 
tians from the ungodly. The care in selection and prepara- 
tion of food observed by the people of God in those early 
times, was, doubtless, one of the distinctive means which ren- 
dered them a " peculiar people." Not so with Christians. 
They are, in this respect, not a whit better than heathen. I 
need not cite examples, they are all about you. Priest and 
people unite in the attempt to sever soul from body, to destroy, 
disunite that which " God hath joined together " so marvelously. 
And with what result? Answer, you who are not deaf to the 
unavailing importunities of earnest souls, nor blind to their 
anxious weariness in the pitiless labor which would save souls 
and let the body remain unsanctified. Oh! this separateness, 
how it clogs and hinders effort! Cannot good Christians see 
that Christ came to save "to the uttermost?" The renewal of 
life to the weak and sickly, almost dying and dead, religion of 
to-day, will come through the acceptance of the Christ-life as a 
whole. Body and its laws, soul and its laws, both must be re- 
spected and obeyed. If there ever was a time when law and 
command should be undeviatingly adhered to it is now, when 
such a flood of light bursts upon the mental vision that not to 
see truth is willfully to close the eye against it. 

A writer in the Boston Journal remarks: "We have tunneled 
mountains, we have bound continents together by steamships 
and telegraphs, and have spanned them with railroads in order 
to bring to us our food, and we do not yet know enough about 
food to keep soul and body together with any degree of com- 
fort, nor how to make tlie body the efficient instrument of the 
soul's higher activities!" 

Julia: It looks strange and, I confess, not a little irreverent 
to bring religious obligations down to the level of physical life. 
What would our church people think to hear their rector dis- 
course on cooking? Worse still, if worse could be, to mix up 



222 Woman and Health. 

praying and eating, worship and clothing, alms-giving and 
ventilation! All these things have plainly nothing to do with 
Christianity. It is unnatural and absurd so to associate them. 

Viola: Let me ask, if our food is better selected, better pre- 
pared, and better eaten, will it not be likely to assist in reaching 
states of health and morality? Is it so easy to become re- 
generate and to lead others in right ways, that we can ignore 
any portion of God's plan? " Can we break one of the least of 
these commandments" and not be guilty of all? Why, then, 
should not the Christian religion encompass all that affects 
humanity? I think it does; and here is* a field open for 
woman, which she must and will cultivate, as the Christ-idea 
enters more and more into the life, and His spiritual coming 
to create all things new is understood. 

Doctor: By the light of this new age, read this: 

"Man, the Bread Winner; Woman, the Loaf Giver." 

By the ceaseless activity of man's intellect he has been im- 
pelled to wrench from nature her hidden secrets. From these 
he draws rich treasure; sciences are developed, and upon their 
facts the practical arts are built. Woman has done very little 
of all this; it is the work of the understanding, not of the will; 
of the intellect, not of the affections; of masculine strength, 
not feminine influence. And now, when the reign of the 
spiritual dawns upon our world, and woman sees herself en- 
throned queen of the realm, man brings to her all these rare 
gifts which he has so richly earned. True woman will repay 
man by bringing down to his field of labor, not the external 
organizing forces like his own, but the internal, spiritualizing 
power which elevates all that he is and does. She will realize 
the truth of the position in which God has placed her, appro- 
priate the knowledge which man's wisdom, courage, and labor 
have secured in " science, literature, and philosophy." And 
through the love that is hers " immediately from God," she 
will bless man as he bestows blessings upon her through the 
instrumentality of his immediate gift, which is wisdom. "She 
gives him love, which is her dower from God, and a home 
which is the image of heaven." 



Dietetics. 223 

Julia: There must be some religion in this matter, though 
I never looked upon it so before. And here is a thought ; if 
woman gives man a home, is it for her to run out and leave 
him to take care of it? Who is to do the housekeeping? 
Woman gives from her own standpoint, and that, it seems, is 
the internal, the spiritual, and it is from this that all reforms 
begin ; so, the home is the basis of progress and reform, and is 
woman's true sphere and work. Am I right? 

Viola: You are practical, to say the least, and I do not see 
that we can " get around you." There is no study that presents 
greater needs, relating to the whole structure of society, than 
this one, which concerns housekeeping and the matters of right 
food and proper cooking. The health and all attendant be- 
atitudes of the family and community are within the orderly 
province of woman. Does it not follow that perhaps she is 
largely responsible for the present lack of good health, which 
may arise from the same source. 

Doctor: It is hard to criticise those whose very heartstrings 
are entwined with yours, whose arms grow weary contending 
against the flood and downward course of evil in all directions; 
who, with perhaps none to minister to them, find themselves 
alone with their ceaseless toil and vain endeavor ; who feel 

" That thirst and hunger of the soul, 
That longing, that wild impulse and effort 
After something they have not and cannot have, 
The effort to be strong ; and like the Spartan boy, 
To smile and smile, though secret wounds 
Do bleed beneath their cloaks." 

It is because of my deep sympathy for woman, and belief 
in the high purpose she is to serve, that I confess myself willing, 
in the spirit of Christian charity, to point out some mistakes 
she has certainly made in her attitude toward homely duties. 

The cause of these mistakes we have seen to be, and I will 
here repeat, lack of the 

Knowledge of Herself. 

Consequently, she has looked in all directions but the proper 
one for her line of use, and with the results we see in the 
present unsatisfying condition of things. Man has better 
understood his nature than woman has hers, and has done his 



224 Woman and Health. 

work more in accordance with it; although, in not fulfilling his 
whole duty, and in not understanding woman-nature, he has 
held her under great disadvantages. This is expressed for in- 
struction, not condemnation. Woman's condition in the past 
was an evolutionary progression towards the attainment of her 
exalted position, as priest and minister to humanity, in the path 
which God had appointed. 

Jnlia: I suppose your criticisms begin where charity does, 
" at home." There are not many homes where much of an 
audience will be found. No woman stays at home these days 
if she can get away. And if she is there, housekeeping does 
not detain her. Women will do anything under the sun rather 
than take care of the house. Women who have money leave 
substitutes to assume home burdens. Those who have not get 
through the days the best they can, like so many martyrs. 
Women who, in the present chaotic, imperfect state of things, 
are obliged to become bread-winners, win in every possible field 
except the home-field. Poor girls will sew and starve rather 
than do plain house-work, and be well housed and fed. It all 
begins with the cultivated and gifted woman. Outside of home 
seems to be the arena where she may win in life's contest. 

Doctor: There is a great deal to be said here; but if 
woman begins to realize that she rightly belongs at the "cen- 
ter of all social life and power," which is the home, as surely 
as the sun is the center of the solar system, she will find 
herself empowered to affect the whole world through her min- 
istrations, and will set herself to find by what means this is to 
be attained. Hence the interest manifested by the more ad- 
vanced woman in everything pertaining to conditions about 
the household. What you said is too true from a surface 
glance ; but a deeper under-current is setting in, destined to 
bear off the transient and unnatural, and leave no trace of folly. 
Good health is seen to be the first requisite, in which not the 
least important element is found to be good cooking. 

Viola: Cooking schools are established, and undoubtedly 
perform a wide use; but any intelligent woman ought to be 
capable of applying her knowledge in this direction, even with- 
out the aid of the schools. According to Ruskin, it means a 
good deal to be a good cook. He says : " It means the knowl- 



Dietetics. 225 

edge of all fruits, herbs, balms, and spices; and of all that is 
healing and sweet in fields and groves; savory in meats; it 
means carefulness, inventiveness, watchfulness, willingness, and 
readiness of appliance. It means the economy of your great- 
grandmother's science, and that of modern chemists. It means 
no wasting; it means English thoroughness, French art, and 
Arabian hospitality. It means, in fine, that you are to be per- 
fectly and always ladies (loaf-givers). And you are to see that 
everybody has something nice to eat." 

Doctor: The very highest motives ought to actuate woman 
in acquiring knowledge of the culinary art, and applying the 
same; for there is no branch of study capable of yielding more 
beneficial results to herself, to her family, and to society. 
While, as you say, almost any woman may obtain, from her 
knowledge of familiar household science, the requisites for be- 
coming a good cook, I am convinced there must be regular 
training schools devoted to fitting girls and women for these 
important and extended duties, by teaching them the practical 
modes of preparing food suitable for both the well and the 
sick. No young lady ought to consider her education "finished" 
while the ability to execute all the runs up and down the key- 
board of cookery is lacking; with not only a few of the finer 
tones must she be familiar, but with every one. 

The homely old saying, " The way to a man's heart is 
through his stomach," is replete with wisdom, viewed in the 
light we are disposed to look at these things. Preparing suit- 
able, tasteful food for husband and children is a privilege not 
excelled by whatever else may come into woman's life. Her 
husband goes out into the coarse, rude world, and buffets the 
billows of adverse or favoring fortune, a struggle at best against 
fearful odds ; while she, shielded and protected in her little 
kingdom, finds, in wisely and lovingly using the material pro- 
vided by his strong arm and manly hands, the method of bless- 
ing, of elevating him. There goes forth from her soul a portion 
of herself; her loving sphere pervades the food she cooks as 
well as the words she speaks ; and as he partakes that secret, 



15 



226 Woman and Health. 

Unseen Power of Love 

raises his higher nature to a higher power, which is the spiritual 
plane. 

Viola: I know there is truth in what you say of the influ- 
ence exerted by one's sphere, and surely, if this were generally 
understood, woman would not delegate this wifely and motherly 
office of food-preparation to the ignorant and indifferent hire- 
ling, any more than she would intrust the care of mind or 
morals to such a one. How sensitive children must be to 
this power, since it follows all the years of one's life. A hus- 
band never tires of telling how delicious his mother's cooking 
always tasted. He does not know that the mother-love wrought 
into that food attracted his spirit into a more ethereal atmos- 
phere, where the happifying influences were unconsciously 
felt; and in the blindness of sense he ascribes the peculiarly 
delicious flavor to the material food alone. 

Doctor: This is a truth, I believe, capable of scientific dem- 
onstration. I could cite numerous instances which have come 
under my own observation confirmatory of this truth, and the 
same could be done by any one. These serve as ''guide- 
boards " to earnest, loving women who are striving to attain a 
fitness for life's work, so that failure and disappointment may 
not so often form a portion of its results. 

Julia: You talk of woman's love being incorporated in 
the food she cooks. I do not question that truth, for even my 
limited experience holds too many instances to convince me, 
had I never read upon this subject. But it is a vexed matter; 
it seems to me that women do about enough work now, and you 
would add immensely to their burdens. What would become 
of co-operative housekeeping, general table supplies, all out of 
one big pot? How are all these " clubs," " quizzes," " scientific 
circles," and a host of the like to be kept alive if every wife and 
mother cooks? It will never be done, doctor, for women hate 
cooking. 

Doctor: Have you not learned the difference between 
woman and women ? Learn it, then, and in doing so it will be 
revealed to you that woman loves cooking! This is intensely 
practical talk. Why are all these clubs formed? Why are 



Dietetics. 227 

women pushing investigation into every crook and cranny of 
science, art, and literature? Why are they found ministering 
to every need of humanity in every place more eminently than 
at home ? Because woman is searching to find herself ! 
When she comes, and she is already here, in the minority, she finds 
herself, as I said long before in the words of Dr. Holcombe, 
the " central, highest figure in the creation." Her intellect, stim- 
ulated to search even the high standards of man in all pursuits 
of science, art, or literature, to acquire from his stores all the 
wisdom he has gained, makes use of all this, in her own womanly 
world, Home. Her soul, imbued with the love of God, the 
neighbor, husband, and children, finds expression for that love 
in deeds of love! 

How vain and hollow are all worldly, outside pretensions to 
intellectual attainment, or beauty, or social power, compared 
with such love. Less than this woman will never bestow upon 
husband and family. 

Viola: Deeds of love would then include all that makes the 
man better and happier; all that develops and fosters the 
higher nature ; all that overcomes the lower. Woman must 
have strength and opportunity for this work, which is so fun- 
damental. Is not this teaching of yours revolutionary? With 
society, so engrossing and innumerable are its cares, there must 
be made radical change. 

Doctor: Carlyle says : " Cast, forth thy act, thy work, into 
the everlasting, ever-loving, ever-working universe; it is a seed 
grain that cannot die." "That is all, and nothing more." 
There are three grand divisions in society, the rich, the com- 
fortable, and the poor. There is no financial consideration 
affecting this matter in the households of the rich. Woman 
would seem to be exempt here from homely duty. Is she? 
Are physiology and psychology peculiar in the rich? Are 
they not included in the "solidarity of the race? " Here the 
woman of wealth can buy no exemption, nor does she care to. 
Illustrious examples are abundant enough to prove that love 
dwells in palace as well as cottage. We learn that England's 
queen is careful in the management of her own household, and 
her daughters are trained in all the mysteries of housekeeping, 
even to cooking. Woman will find interest in these things when 



228 Woman and Health. 

she sees love the motive power. An hour or two daily spent 
in preparing and supervising the "daily bread " will bring a 
double reward. The husband and children are not only helped 
and comforted, but the mother acquires the power over servants 
which it is impossible to obtain otherwise ; and through this 
power she blesses them also. 

What beautiful, happy homes I have seen among the 
wealthy, where it was the mother's delight thus to spend a 
portion of the morning from a sense of love, not hateful obli- 
gation. Daughters early trained to look upon the hours shared 
with mother in the kitchen as golden ones, did not in after 
years find the care of their own households other than 

A Joyful Privilege. 

My heart aches when women talk of hating to cook, hat- 
ing housekeeping, and much of like unwomanly expression. 
Woman of the comfortable class will find time for the exercise 
of talent and skill in prudently apportioning to use the abundant 
provisions placed at her disposal. If she has not strength, or 
having it, prefers not to use it in this direction, let her employ 
another to do all but the actual food preparation. 

What a happy man the husband of such a woman must 
necessarily be ! And the children, with such an example, such 
a teacher, such a mother, will find it difficult, even in the midst 
of outside temptations, to turn from so warm, so all-pervading 
a love. 

Woman who shares the life of the poor will surely take 
pains to inform herself on all the economic and healthful 
methods of preparing proper sustenance for her loved ones. 
Here is a vast work. Here is the stepping-stone to better 
position in life. The cost of excellent nourishing food is very 
trifling. With care in selection and knowledge of right cook- 
ery, her family is made comfortable ; the husband is devoted to 
the one who cheers his life of use — this word includes every- 
thing on the plane of effects — learns to respect himself because 
of the love she brings him, and to grow in manliness and in 
every good way. Children, whose bodies are supplied with 
food calculated to nourish and invigorate, will find their paths 



Dietetics. 229 

to be an " upward trend ;" and instead of falling victims to 
the vices which grow out of impoverished, depraved bodily 
states, will be found in the ranks of the temperate and thrifty. 

The daughters of such a mother will be taught to cook and 
to do all other kinds of house-work, and when they go out to 
earn a living, rather than swell the already over-full and badly- 
paid avocations, falsely deemed more " respectable," it will be 
their delight to aid some weary homekeeper in her work, and 
in turn will receive food, shelter, and wages, much exceeding 
what would otherwise be earned, and a home feeling withal. 

Thus the truths of dietetics are seen to be the basis of 
higher truths, and when understood and practiced will bring 
the race, both individually and collectively, to its highest good 
and happiness. In this light they are even as 

"Jewels five words long, 
That on the stretched fore-finger of all Time 
Sparkle forever." 



230 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

HYGIENIC COOKERY. 

Doctor: Persons who know not what they are talking about 
say the hygienist starves. The hygienist says, knowingly, he 
is the person who does not starve. Because he uses food 
capable of appropriation by the vital system, hence, nourishing 
and strengthening to the body, his force is expended in using, 
not in resisting or expelling, materials taken as food. As you 
have pencil and note-book at hand, I will give you a few cook- 
ery directions, recommending that you procure a copy of some 
good hygienic cook-book. " Health in the Household," by Dr. 
Dodds, is pre-eminently such a one. 

Viola: Allow me to read this regarding the selection of 
foods. I find it in the Vegetarian Year-book for 1889 : 

" There are one or two mistakes that the tyro in food re- 
form is very liable to fall into, and the most general one is, 
perhaps, the failure to arrange his dietary in accordance with 
the requirements of his system. It should be borne in mind 
that four kinds of food are necessary to man, and in order to 
simplify matters it will be best to put them rather crudely. 
Thus, there is the nitrogenous food required to build up the 
substance of the body and to repair waste ; this is represented 
well by beans, pease, lentils, pea-nuts, and the whole pulse 
family, together with cheese and eggs. Then there are the 
carbo-hydrates, or starchy foods, required in order to maintain 
force and heat in the system. These are represented by grains 
and by roots and tubers, as the potato, also by sugar. Next 
follow the hydro-carbonaceous or oleaginous foods, which, like 
the starches, maintain heat and force, though to a far greater 
degree, and also probably give nourishment to the nervous 
structures and the brain. This class of food is represented 
chiefly by the oily fruits, such as olives, nuts of all kinds, and 
by oatmeal, maize, and many of the grains grown in more 



Hygie?iic Cookery. 231 

northern latitudes. And lastly, there is the mineral food, 
which serves to build up the bones, teeth, and other structures; 
and is represented by the potash, magnesia, phosphorus, and 
other elements found in all vegetables and fruits, but chiefly in 
the husk of grain and in the skins of fruit, etc. These sub- 
stances cannot be supplied to the system in their crude mineral 
form, but only from the vegetable world, and the taking of 
iron, potash, common salt, and phosphorus in that form is as 
absurd as it is injurious. The flesh of animals is very deficient 
in these mineral elements, and as will be judged from what has 
been said as to their place in fruits, vegetables, and grains, they 
are wasted in the preparation of fruit or potatoes, etc., by peel- 
ing, and in the manufacture of wheat into fine flour for the 
purpose of making white bread." 

Doctor: There can be no rule laid down which will not 
admit of variation, but for persons of weak digestion the avoid- 
ance of variety at one meal is safe. Grains and fruits are a good 
combination, and one kind of fruit at a time. Vegetables are 
not so useful. 

The best form of preparation for vegetables to be used by 
weak stomachs is in a 

Vegetable Tea, or Soup. 

In this way you secure all the salts and useful matters of the 
vegetable, and reject the crude fiber which is apt to tax diges- 
tion. Select about an equal number or quantity of all the crude 
vegetables, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, turnips, cabbage, beets, 
onions, celery, parsley, etc., slicing and cooking until done. 
Then pour all in a colander, and after draining mash the vege- 
tables and put back the liquor. Pour this again in the colander, 
and the drained liquor forms " stock " for a soup, which only 
needs the addition of squares of toasted Graham bread, or some 
well-cooked barley, rice, or tapioca, to thicken it somewhat. 
Season light, heat again, and you have a good soup. Tomatoes 
are a great addition to this, or slices of lemon. This stock can 
be built upon to suit taste, and thus a good variety of dishes 
afforded. 

Beans boiled done, without mashing or stirring, then the 
water, of which a generous supply was had, poured off, and used 



232 Woman and Health. 

as soup, with crackers or toast added, is nice. The beans can be 
served separately. Pease may be treated the same. The addi- 
tion of a little butter or cream pleases the taste, and usually 
agrees with well people, just enough for seasoning. 

There is such a variety of soup to be made from vegetables 
and grains, the inventive power of a good cook will ever find 
employment, and the digestive powers of the consumer not be 
unduly taxed by any of the simple, wholesome preparations. A 
dish of nice hot soup at the beginning of a meal is wholesome. 
It takes the place, largely, of gross vegetables. If the soup is 
a light one vegetables may be eaten at the same meal ; if 
richer in variety of ingredients take no vegetables, but eat your 
plain corn bread, or dry toast, or Graham cracker with it. (This 
is not an exhaustive treatise upon soup.) 

Vegetables should not be robbed of their nutritive salts by 
cooking in water which is afterward drained from them. This 
should be of such correct quantity that none would be left to 
throw away. Cook them "down in the pot." Let the excess 
of fluid evaporate, if necessary, during the latter part of the 
cooking process. The same is true of meats. One would die 
of "saline starvation," in the effort to subsist on food so de- 
prived of its natural food elements. 

Viola: Next, is 

Nutrina. 

It takes the place of beef-tea in all cases where the latter 
would be used, and makes a delicious dessert any time. I 
have it made thin sometimes, and serve it hot as a gruel. Then 
mixed with corn-meal gruel, about half of each, is a very pal- 
atable gruel food. Into three quarts of boiling water sprinkle 
and stir enough bran to make a thin gruel; boil about half an 
hour, and strain through a seine. Put the liquor back into the 
pot, and stir in enough sifted Graham flour to make it about as 
stiff as blanc-mange. The flour first to be wet in cold water and 
made into a smooth paste. Let this boil until the flour is well 
cooked, then pour into molds which have been previously wet 
in cold water. This may be eaten with a cream or a fruit 
dressing, as dessert. It is good with no dressing. 



Hygienic Cookery. 233 

Julia: There is a variety of mushes which we ought to ap- 
preciate. When well cooked they afford delicious food. Corn- 
meal mush, made by wetting the quantity of meal you will use, 
and putting a spoonful at a time in the mush-kettle of boiling 
water until it is all stirred in, and free from lumps, then letting 
it boil in the kettle, closely covered, for two or three hours, is so 
different from what I ever saw before. It is thin almost as a 
gruel, and is so well cooked, not that stiff raw-tasted dish "of my 
childhood." It is delicate. And the wheaten mush made from 
"gen^leum," the heart of the grain, which is obtained at the 
Roller Mills during some process of grinding. I forget the 
miller's name for it. This cooks very quickly, and is more 
palatable than cracked wheat. It should be made into a thin 
mush. Sometimes combined with corn mush or rye, it is very 
nice indeed. It also makes a nice gruel. And the rye mush, 
cooked well and molded, and Graham flour mush the same, add 
to the possibilities for simple dessert, eaten alone or with fruit 
sauce. 

Viola: Fruit sauce may be made of the juice of any fruit, 
if too rich, add water, and wet a little corn-starch, adding this 
to the boiling juice, making it of suitable consistence for sauce. 
Sweeten to taste. 

Julia: Another fruit dish. Take oranges or peaches, or 
such fruit as you have, cut in nice little pieces, and pour over 
this a sauce of clear corn-starch, thin and clear from having 
been boiled about twenty minutes. Sweeten. Berries are nice 
this way. Cooked fruits are often treated to a corn-starch 
thickening, just enough to give the syrup a consistency like 
rich fruit juice. Stewed gooseberries, cranberries, etc., are thus 
much improved. Also stewed pie-plant. 

Doctor: " Bread is the staff of life." This is not new, but 
truer than we suppose before we know what bread is. To say 
this of the bleached, sour, doughy, yeasty thing misnamed 
bread, makes the proverb " null and void." But bread, little 
removed from the natural grain, is life-supporting. And this 
is made in some variety, and always palatable. Of wheaten 
bread, always the whole grain substance retained, we have 



234 Woma?i and Health. 

Gems. 

Thirty years ago the dietist was almost invariably an invalid. 
It is not so now. Experience, placed in the strong currents of 
scientific inquiry, is blown into a blaze of light which reveals 
wonderful facts in human life. That food influences body, 
mind, and soul of the well equally as the sick, is now generally 
acknowledged, and interest is stimulated in the direction of 
suitable food preparations. Previous to the time named we 
had unleavened bread, made by pouring boiling water over 
wheat-meal and stirring as little as possible ; the dough was 
hastily molded, and rolled out about half an inch in thickness, 
then cut into diamond-shaped cakes and baked quickly. There 
has never yet been invented a better bread than this. 

• Cold-water Bread 

was made the same, only cold water used in place of hot, and 
the dough well worked and pounded. The cakes are always 
picked with a fork, to prevent blistering, and baked in a hot 
oven. 

Viola: But what of gems? 

Doctor: They are unleavened bread, only made into a batter. 
Take about a cup and a half of cold water, half cup of sweet- 
milk, and stir in flour enough to make batter stiff enough to 
smooth off when dropped into the well-oiled, hot iron pans. 
Let them stand a few moments on top of the stove, then put 
in the very hot oven and bake half an hour. 

The first gems were called "drop bread," because the batter 
was dropped from the spoon on a baking-pan. When the idea 
of having individual cells for the cakes presented itself to a 
cook at Dr. Trail's Cure, in New York, she embodied it, and 
the patients at table named the new bread gems, saying, " We 
have diamonds already." 

Corn Bread. 

The best (invented by Miss A. J. Lamb) is made by taking 
about equal parts of well-cooked cold corn-meal mush, and 
stirring or mixing raw corn-meal with this mush; no added 



Hygienic Cookery. 235 

wetting. A little experience will make it plain just how stiff it 
should be. Make it into a cake half an inch thick, on a hot 
oiled griddle. Cook until a nice brown crust is formed on the 
under side, when turn, and set where it will cook, but not burn- 
Bake from two to three hours. 

Viola: Yeast bread should be removed in character very 
slightly from unleavened. Boil three potatoes, and pour the 
scalding water over a cup of white flour. Mash potatoes fine, 
and add to this. Cool, and put in a very small amount of yeast, 
about one-fourth the quantity given on any yeast package receipt. 
Place where this will rise. At night take warm water required 
for making the amount of bread, stir in the yeast, and knead 
well, ready for loaves. Set the dough in a place where it will 
rise, but not sour; in summer the cellar is suitable. Next 
morning early mold and put into pans, and your bread will be 
light and baked perhaps by breakfast time. It must not taste 
of yeast, or at all sour. 

Doctor: One interested in learning will find it easy enough 
to compound dishes suited to the requirements of old and 
young, sick and well, while gustatory pleasure is at the same 
time greatly enhanced. Students and brain-workers, generally, 
should use only a very small portion of nitrogenous food. 
Whole meal and corn bread and fruit will be the best. All the 
fruits are good, but 

Apples are King ! 
• 
" It is stated that by a careful analysis it has been found 
that apples contain a larger amount of phosphorus, or brain 
food, than any other fruit or vegetable, and on this account they 
are very important to sedentary persons, who work their brain 
rather than their muscles. They also contain the acids which 
are needed every day, especially for sedentary persons, the 
action of whose liver is sluggish, to eliminate effete matter, 
which, if retained in the system, produces inaction of the brain, 
and, indeed, of the whole system, causing jaundice, sleepiness, 
scurvy, and troublesome diseases of the skin." 



236 Woman and Health. 

Julia: What Shall We Drink? 

I asked myself the question, and said : We shall drink milk. 
I learned afterward ( I ) that milk is the scavenger of the cow's 
body, and will, to the extent of its power, take up and carry 
out any germ's of disease consequent on unwholesome food or 
improper stabling; (2) that milk is an effective disinfectant; 
if set, for example, within reach of the emanations from a reek- 
ing pigsty, it will do its best to cleanse the surrounding atmos- 
phere by absorbing its fill of odors. Public obligation to the 
lacteal fluid in these lines of usefulness is hardly appreciated. 

That settles the matter for milk. Tea and coffee were 
shown to belong to the family of stimulants, and cannot nourish 
the system, but are capable of doing harm; and experience 
proves that a higher standard of health is maintained without 
their use than with them. They are first cousin to alcoholic 
drinks, the habit is akin to tobacco-using. Beer comes next, 
so highly recommended to weak women, and equally valued by 
them, to give strength and make fat and muscle. We will 
drink beer. But another side of the beer question presented 
itself. 

Col. Green, president of the Connecticut Mutual Life In- 
surance Company, says : 

11 In one of our largest cities, containing a great population 
of beer-drinkers, I had occasion to note the deaths among a 
large group of persons whose habits, in their own eyes and in 
those of their friends and physicians, were temperate ; but they 
were habitual users of beer. When the observation began they 
were, upon the average, something under middle age, and they 
were, of course, selected lives. For two or three years there 
was nothing very remarkable to be noted among this group. 
Presently death began to strike it; and, until it had dwindled 
to a fraction of its original proportions, the mortality in it was 
astounding in extent, and still more remarkable in the manifest 
identity of cause and mode. There was no mistaking it. The 
history was almost invariable — robust, apparent health, full 
muscles, a fair outside, increasing weight, florid faces; then a 
touch of cold, or a sniff of malaria, and instantly some acute 
disease, with almost invariably typhoid symptoms, was in vio- 



Hygienic Cookery. 237 

lent action, and ten days or less ended it. It was as if the 
system had been kept fair outside, while within it was eaten to 
a shell, and at the first touch of disease there was utter collapse; 
every fiber was poisoned and weak. And this, in its main 
features, varying, of course, in degree, has been my observation 
in beer-drinking everywhere. It is peculiarly deceptive at 
first; it is thoroughly destructive at the last." 

Then water modestly asserted its claim — not only cold 
water, but hot also. I found some one, in the Lo?tdon Times, 
had given an experience in the use of hot water as a beverage. 
Said he : "I and my wife have used it for years, not only as an 
aid to digestion, but to drink the last thing at night when the 
system feels a little out of order. Its effect on the system in the 
production of warmth is quite equal to that produced by the 
customary glass of hot ' toddy.' It is far more soothing than 
tea or cocoa, for it gives the digestive organs nothing to do, 
and one can rise in the morning entirely free from that feeling 
of depression which usually follows more powerful stimulants. 
It was the Duke of Wellington's favorite drink, both in the field 
and at home. It is, however, important that the water should 
be drunk hot, or else no one will try it a second time. Its great- 
est advantage is that, by adopting this mode of drinking water 
after being boiled, a great deal of the objection to water as a 
beverage, by reason of its possible impurities, is got rid of." 

And then a New York doctor has just found out that drink- 
ing hot water is the best means of curing cholera infantum, a 
disease that carries off many thousands of babies every year. It 
is by no means a new remedy. Put hot water, as hot as you 
can hold your finger in, into the nursing bottle, and let the baby 
take it ad libitum. Most babies will drink liberal quantities 
with avidity. Water seems to be the drink provided by nature 
to answer her needs, and so we will not look farther for an 
answer to our question. 

Viola: Have you ever told us how many meals a day one 
ought to eat? 

Doctor: I am not sure that I have, but can give you my 
experience in a very few words. For the past six years I have 
lived on one meal a day, and find it so much more suited to 
every requirement of body and mind that I highly recommend 



238 Woman and Health. 

the plan to all who feel disposed to become rid of bondage to 
physical appetites. Your early morning thoughts do not drag 
you down to, What will I have for breakfast? All the forenoon 
brain and nerve and muscle are at the disposal of the will, and 
at dinner time you are no more hungry, you eat no more food, than 
when living upon two or three meals a day. Dr. Glass, now 
sixty years of age, and his wife have also lived on one meal a 
day the same length of time; and are delighted to find them- 
selves in the best of condition, physically and mentally, though 
formerly Mrs. G was an invalid. 

I have just received a leaflet from Dr. J. F. Sanborn on 

Germinal Matter as Food. 

He takes advanced grounds; I have not found anything like 
it in the books, but his position seems to have been reached 
through legitimate deductions. As you have the leaflet in 
hand, please give me an outline of its contents. 

Viola: He begins by stating that matter occupies four 
playies. First, the lowest is chemical elements : carbon, hydro- 
gen, oxygen, nitrogen. Second, chemical stable compounds: 
carbonic di-oxide, water, and ammonia. Third, vegetable prox- 
imate principles: starch, sugar, gluten, etc., examples. Fourth, 
and highest, the animal tissues: muscle and adipose tissue. 

Doctor: Describe the cycle of matter in its " becoming " 
animal tissue. 

Viola: It is from plane Second, as stable compounds, to plane 
Third, as vegetable proximate principles. From plane Third 
to plane Fourth, as animal tissues, muscle, nerve, etc. 

Doctor: Is this as high as it can go? 

Viola: Yes. From plane Four it may fall back to plane 
Two, where it started. This takes place in the decay of all 
vegetable and animal matter — of all organic matter. 

Doctor: We learn that all matter, on becoming organized 
into either animal or vegetable structure, takes the form of 
cells: from pre-existing living structure, it receives its first 
impulse to life-motion. Now, does it not follow that the seed 
that is sown for the future crop has a life-force within itself? 



Hygienic Cookery. 239 

Viola: Yes. And from this life-force life-motion is started 
in the plant wherever placed under favorable circumstances. 
In the animal kingdom the egg is the germ from which the 
future animal is to be started in life. 

Doctor: What are the contents of the egg and of the seed 
called? 

Viola: Germinal matter. The egg is neither bone, flesh, 
vein, nor artery, but it is that from which all these are formed. 
The grain of wheat is quite different from the roots, stalk, or 
leaves, yet they were started on their life-work by the life-force 
existing in the germ. 

Doctor: In all cells, both vegetable and animal, there is the 
nucleus, out of which the tissues are organized, and the external 
part of the cell, that is, external to the nucleus, which is called 
formed matter. From what is this formed matter developed? 

Viola: From the bioplasm in animal tissues, and protoplasm 
in vegetable cells. This formed matter was once germinal, 
either as bioplasm or protoplasm. It is hence a step farther in 
the cycle of development. 

Doctor: How do cells multiply? 

Viola: By division of the nuclei of pre-existing cells. 

Doctor: How are all wounds in animal tissue healed? 

Viola: By floating bioplasts, white blood globules, which 
are probably lymph and chyle corpuscles in process of develop- 
ment into red corpuscles. Out of these ?iew granidations are 
formed. A wound is never healed by formed matter of the cell 
walls. 

Doctor: That is very plain. The reason is, the formed 
matter is always farther on in its cycle of development than 
bioplasm, and bioplasm is essential to tissue building, whether 
in nourishing old cells or forming new ones. 

Viola: Is there formed matter in vegetables and fruits and 
flesh used as food? 

Doctor: Yes. " We also have in them the protoplasm and 
bioplasm which are not yet developed into tissue as formed 
matter. We have also seeds of vegetables and eggs of fowls 
that are nearly all germinal matter, that is, matter not yet de- 
veloped into tissue." 



240 Woman and Health. 

Viola: Then, as there is a small proportion of formed mat- 
ter in seeds and eggs, compared with vegetables proper and 
the flesh of animals, does it not follow that they are more 
nourishing as food? 

Doctor: It does. And I will repeat that in both the animal 
and the vegetable kingdoms, matter becomes germinal, as bio- 
plasm or protoplasm, before it becomes cell tissue, because the 
formed matter is more advanced in the development than the 
germinal. It is easy enough for the bioplasm in the animal cell 
to advance in its natural cycle to become organized into tissue 
as formed matter; but when the food is of formed matter, it has 
a weary, long, wandering way before it to become truly food, 
for it has to go onward in its course, has to decay so to become 
11 stable compound," has to fall back from plane Four to plane 
Two, so as to start on its way again and become protoplasm or 
bioplasm, when it may advance into structure, formed matter. 
This is in accordance with nature's law of organic development. 

Viola: Has the "formed matter" of our food no useful 
purpose to serve? 

Doctor: Little, perhaps, beyond that of a mechanical use, 
as giving distention, and that is truly a use. " But food to be 
assimilated must consist of that represented by germinal mat- 
ter, as seeds, nuts, the protoplasm of vegetables; and in the 
animal kingdom, by the egg t milk, and bioplastic matter. 
These are all on the upward and onward cycle of their develop- 
ment, and may become tissue; but all that is formed matter, 
after it has served its mechanical use, is rejected. The process 
of cooking does not necessarily impair the nourishing properties 
of germinal matter; fermentation and decay destroy all the 
life-giving properties. 

Viola: Whole wheat is a pure germinal food. Contains all 
the elements in proper proportion. Cooked whole, the aroma 
is preserved, not lost in cracking or grinding. It is, indeed, a 
perfect food, giving all the tissues a chance to be nourished. 
It is very easily prepared. You get it from the miller, having 
it cleaned ready for grinding into flour. Wash it, and soak 
over night, then boil two or three hours, or longer, in water 
enough to cook it soft. It is easily masticated, and eaten with 
no sauce at all is very delicious. But, if preferred, fruit sauce, 
or milk, or cream may be used with it. 



Hygienic Cookery. 241 

Doctor: This is, indeed, perfect food. It is clean, unfer- 
mented, easily obtained, easily cooked, gives the very best 
nutritive results. Pouring over the grain a superabundance of 
water in the cooking will furnish a delicious drink, a somewhat 
glutinous wheat-tea. For children and delicate adults this is 
extremely nourishing. Light seasoning of cream or sugar may 
be added, but it is best " just so." 



16 



242 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXERCISE AND REMEDIAL 

MOTION, OR ACTIVE AND PASSIVE 

MOVEMENTS. 

Julia: You frequently speak of active movements and of 
passive movements. Please tell me if there is any real differ- 
ence, and, if there is, in what it consists? 

Doctor: In the active movements the voluntary or will power 
is invoked, which always means expenditure of nerve-force. In 
ordinary exercise, like walking, working, playing, etc., large 
numbers of muscles are called into action through the stimu- 
lus of the will, and there must be a constant drain or demand 
upon nerve-force to sustain this effort. In a condition of health, 
where the nervous powers are equal to this demand, it is not 
only good for the whole organism, but one of the eminent 
means for sustaining the body in its highest vigor and strength. 
In the passive movements no exertion is made, but motion is 
imparted to the body through means of the operator's hand, or 
some mechanical device for that purpose. Here there is no 
expenditure of nerve-force. 

Viola: Do these passive movements have any psychical 
influence? 

Julia: /can answer that. Most certainly they have. Read 
in the doctor's case-book the interesting account of patients, 
who were so disagreeable and unfriendly, and even treacherous, 
becoming the most lovely persons in the house, after a course 
of treatment long enough to bring about some degree of 
health. 

Doctor: The passive movements are truly of 

Paramount Importance 

in effecting changes in mental as well as bodily habit. And 
why? Listen. There are functions natural to the mind, and 



Difference Between Exercise and Remedial Motion. 243 

functions natural to the body. Whatever good effects come 
from passive motion come not by changing these functions, but by 
rousing the mental and bodily organs to normal activity, which 
is harmonious, healthful, happy. Motion is an expression of life, 
and influences every molecule of the system in a way which 
tends to overcome and remove the opposite — death. Inster- 
stitial changes are effected rapidly, the effete, worn-out, dead 
particles removed, so that there is opportunity for life to per- 
vade the whole being. It is but displacing that which is not 
useful, and making room for the inflowing good. There is no 
higher, finer force in the universe than this 

Remedial Motion. 

The subject is capable of wide elaboration. The dynamical 
and chemical forces of the system being enlivened, every region 
feels the beneficial effects which arise from the unity of the 
organism. 

Viola: Is there any weakening of any part in these massage 
or movement processes? 

Doctor: Not any. The arousing influences are intended to 
and do promote motion, which, as before said, is an expression 
of life ; which means health, strength, power — not disease, 
weakness, feebleness. The functions are impelled to activity, 
and the entire organism, as well as its component organs indi- 
vidually, gives response in good effects — elevating the bodily 
states to health and the mental to harmony. 

Jidia: In common exercise, then, we use what nerve-force 
is already at command, which you say is a good thing to do in 
well states; and do I understand rightly, that in disease we 
should confine ourselves not to the active, but to the passive 
movements? 

Doctor: Yes. It is absolutely necessary that 

Specific Movements 

alone should be employed by the sick or weakly, for above all 
things essential to recovery is the sparing expenditure of nerve- 
force in any and all directions. Even walking or horse-back 
riding cannot in many cases be afforded, for the reason that 



244 Woman and Health. 

the muscles called into action make constant and persistent 
demand upon nervous power. 

Viola: I would like to have it stated just what acts specific 
movements are capable of performing in the system? 

Doctor: Dr. Taylor says: " The essential feature of chronic 
disease may be expressed by the phrase, 

Failure of Putting Things to Use." 

If energy can be transmitted to the system from some source, 
no matter how derived, and that energy blend with the natural 
physiological functions, and aid in carrying them forward 
towards their destined states of service, that energy, which we 
may name specific motion, is able to produce increased mani- 
festation of the chemical power of the vital system, which 
means due elimination of waste material. Linked with this fun- 
damental process is the fact of defective muscular nutrition. 
This supports irregular and extreme activity of the nervous 
powers, because the nerves cannot contract as can the muscles, 
and move the blood along, securing new supplies of nutriment 
and removing their waste; so they remain in a bath of impure 
blood, and become irritated, which gives rise to increase of nerve 
function, consequently followed by increase of nerve nutrition. 

Viola: Does not nerve function become impaired as rapidly 
as that of the muscles? 

Jidia: I would not think it worth while to answer such a 
question. Is it not evident? Have you not that fact in your 
own experience? Did you never have pain, yet were not able 
to hold up your head? And is not pain a kind of nerve work? 

Viola: Ah! I now perceive that as the blood is not moved 
along by the muscles, and increased nerve action takes place, 
larger supplies of blood bring more nutrition to the nerves; so 
nervous energy becomes developed to a very painful degree, as 
it is excessive over muscular nutrition. 

Jidia: Yes; and that very pain invites more nutrition to 
the nerves and their great spinal centers, and soon actually 
prevents muscle-work, while muscular nutrition is the actual 
remedy for the condition which causes pain. 

Doctor: You certainly have studied the subject intelligently, 
and will now at once understand how passive motion may be 



Difference Between Exercise and Remedial Motion. 245 

made an equivalent for muscular work or activity, which would 
promote muscle-nutrition, hence be able to remove any form of 
morbid nervous action. 

Another extremely desirable use of passive motion is in ap- 
plying it to 

Portions of the Organism 

while other parts are left at rest. In cases of congestion or 
too much blood in the head, chest, spine, liver, stomach, or any 
part of the abdominal and pelvic region, the effects are very 
conspicuous. You apprehend how effective an impulse from 
any given point may be, where there is a circuitous flow like 
that of the blood in the body. The heart's function in giving 
impetus to the blood is an example. Suppose you would over- 
come a local blood stagnation, you would only need to give a 
sort of aid which would imitate a little heart impulse, and the 
blood would be impelled forward, thus removing the overbur- 
dened vessels in that locality. 

Viola: Then, if a part has blood in insufficient amount, 
mechanical massage will divert the blood to that part, and at 
the same time remove any local congestion in other parts. 

Doctor: It is not the mere improved distribution of blood 
that has such an important effect, but the increased use of 
it — carrying nutrition, promoting assimilation, and developing 
warmth and strength; the general tone of the system is restored; 
and because the statement is founded in truth, based on the 
laws of nature, its effects are i?i all cases permanent. 

Viola: It is evident, then, from what we have learned, that 
this branch of the Healing Art cannot be laid aside with the 
simple statement that it is nothing more than common exercise, 
and any one can follow that. We have learned that 

Exercise Is Not Remedial Motion. 

Julia: Also, that voluntary exercise exhausts nervous 
power, which is exactly the power lacking in the invalid, and 
when the system is in any way impaired it cannot of itself re- 
store that power, and here the efficacy of mechanical move- 
ments is acknowledged. 



246 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER XX. 

MENTAL INFLUENCES. 



Think health, and health will find you, 

As certain as the day, 
And pain will lag behind you, 

And lose you on the way. 

Think love, and love will meet you, 

And go where'er you go, 
And fate can no more treat you 

Like some malicious foe. 

Think joy, and joy will hear you, 

For thoughts are always heard ; 
And it shall nestle near you, 

Like some contented bird. 

Whate'er your sad condition— 

Whate'er your woes or pains — 
Bright thoughts shall bring fruition 

As surely as God reigns. 

Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 



Doctor: This subject is one of extreme interest, for it in- 
volves matters which have influential bearing, not only upon 
medical practice, but upon the life of individuals ; and these 
times demand of each the exercise of that divine right to know 
all that belongs to the questions which are being continually 
brought before the human mind. I would advise you first to 
understand thoroughly your own ignorance, the " ignorance of 
us all." Then to acknowledge the possibility of new discov- 
eries, and to hold yourself in readiness to be lifted out of any 
notion which may have become well rooted and grounded in 
your thought. Let no hinderance stand in the way. Remember 
that in the vast fields of truth explorations are not yet so ex- 
haustive as to assure us that present knowledge is absolute; 
there may be points of observation which our mental climbings 
have not attained. So do not seek to limit the possibilities 
of new discoveries; but rather unfetter the mind, loose the 
pinions of thought, and rise in the power of understanding far 
above and beyond the limits of the past, or, perhaps, the con- 
ceptions of the present. 



Mental Influences. 247 

With such a disposition towards to-day's study, let us con- 
sult the author before you, Tuke, in his work, " The Influence 
of the Mind upon the Body." Through what states does the 

Mind Act Upon the Body? 

Viola: " Through its threefold states of Intellect, Emotion, 
and Volition. The state of the Mind, comprising therein Intel- 
lect, Emotion, and Volition, exerts an enormous influence upon 
the body with which it is associated, including in this term all 
sensations, movements, and organic functions." 

Doctor: You will understand clearly that the special senses 
are included under the terms Body and Mind. " Sensations 
(special and general) are treated of as being influenced by in- 
tellectual, emotional, volitional states." 

Viola: The lesson before us, then, is designed to illustrate 
the truth of its importance, that the Mind, or brain influences, 
excite, pervert, or depress the nerves, and through them secure 
changes in Sensation, Muscular Contraction, Nutrition, and 
Secretion. 

Doctor: Where there is such an amount of extremely valu- 
able information as Dr. Tuke's book affords, it is a trial of one's 
discriminative powers to dwell upon what should be selected 
for our present purpose. We will follow in the order he has 
given, beginning with the Intellect. In his retrospective sketch 
he says: " Unzer and John Hunter were among the first to per- 
ceive clearly and express the mental or psycho-physical law 
which lies at the foundation of the principal phenomena prop- 
erly comprised under the influence of the Intellect, or Thought, 
upon the body, including sensation as well as motion; especially 
in regard to the effects of Expectation, and what is ordinarily 
understood as the imagination. Thus Unzer, in his great work, 
published 1771, writes: ' Expectation of the action of a remedy 
often causes us to experience the results of its operation before- 
hand.' Hunter had his mind drawn to the subject of animal 
magnetism, and in his lectures on surgery (1786-87, delivered 
a few years later than the appearance of Unzer's work in Ger- 
many) explained those which he witnessed on the principle 
o£ Attention and Expectation. He says: " I was asked to go 



248 Woman and Health. 

to be magnetized, but at first refused, because a spasm about 
my vital parts was very likely to be brought on by a state 
of mind anxious about any event, . . . and I feared lest it 
should be imputed to animal magnetism. But considering 
that if any person was affected by it, it must be by the imagi- 
nation being worked up by the attention to the part to be affected, and 
thinking I could counteract this, I went. When the magnetizer 
began his operations, and informed me that I should first feel 
at the roots of my nails of that hand nearest the apparatus, / 
fixed my attention on my great toe, where I was wishing to have a 
fit of the gout ; and I am confident that I can fix my attention on 
any part until I have a sensation in that part.' That was written 
nearly a century ago," says Tuke. " It really contains the gist 
of all that has been written since on the influence of Expectant 
Attention and Imagination." 

Jahannes Miiller (1838) says, "The ideas of a particular 
motion determines a current of nervous action towards the 
necessary muscles, and gives rise to the motion, independently 
of the will." 

Viola: Miiller expresses himself as decidedly as John 
Hunter in regard to the influence of Expectation. " It may be 
stated as a general fact, that any state of the body which is 
considered to be approaching, and which is expected with cer- 
tain confidence and certainty of its occurrence, will be very 
prone to ensue as the mere result of that idea, if it do not lie 
beyond the bounds of possibility." 

Dr. Braid, in 1841, threw a flood of light on the influence of 
the Mind upon the Body by investigations and experiments on 
quite an extensive scale. One sentence in his book contains 
the pith of the whole matter, as far as it relates to the influence 
of the Imagination or Expectation. "Theoftener patients are 
hypnotized from association of ideas and habit, the more sus- 
ceptible they become, and in this way they are liable to be 
affected entirely through the Imagination. But if they consider 
or imagine there is something doing (although they do not see 
it) from which they are to be affected, they will become affected. 
But, on the contrary, the most expert hypnotist in the world 
may exert all his endeavors in vain if the party does not expect 
it, and mentally and bodily comply, and thus yield to it." 



Mental Influences. 249 

Doctor: "Glancing broadly," concludes Tuke, "at the 
whole range of psycho-physical phenomena, it is clear that 
it would be taking a very contracted view of the relations be- 
tween Mind and Body, if we do not include in this relation- 
ship a reference to the inseparable nexus existing between the 
two, arising out of the fact that the organ of the mind is the 
outgrowth and ultimate development of the tissues and organs 
of which the body itself is composed; that it not only unites 
them in one common bond, but is, in truth, a microcosm of the 
whole. It is a fine expression of Swedenborg that the likeness 
or image of the greatest is represented in the least as in a 
mirror, and of the least in the greatest; and he adds, ' nor can 
anything be turned over in the mind that, if it please, may not 
be portrayed in the extremes by means of the fibers; for instance, 
inaction of the muscles. There is a 

Likeness of the Brain 

in every fiber. The fibers carry with them the animus of the 
brain. Cerebrum aud cerebellum are universally present in 
the body by means of the fibers.' By a very different route, 
he arrives at a conclusion which does not materially differ 
from the modern school of physiologists. ' If, then, the de- 
velopment of the minutest corpuscles of the body be a repre- 
sentation of the same principle that works in the formation of 
the organ of mind, if this organ consist of and be an outgrowth 
from such corpuscles, and if the brain be the grand center 
which is in immediate relation with the structures and tissues 
which have preceded it, then, although these continue to have 
their own action, which they had before the brain was added, 
or have in animal life, where no nervous system exists, that 
organ, one of whose functions is centralization, combination, or 
co-ordination, must be expected to act on the Muscular Tissue, 
whether striped or unstriped, the Organic Function, and upon 
the Nervous System itself.'" 

Viola: Of the various mental states comprised under the 
intellect, " Imagination is a complex mental power of the great- 
est importance, and must be considered under this section, 
although passing insensibly into emotional states." Ruskin 



250 Woman and Health. 

says: " It is the grandest mechanical power that the human in- 
telligence possesses, and one which will appear more and more 
marvelous the longer we consider it." It is an operation of 
the mind altogether inexplicable, and can be compared only 
to chemical affinity. From a practical medical standpoint 
Fancy and Imagination are to be used synonymously. 

Doctor: What is the basis of the Imagination? 

Viola: "Simple imaging; the fundamental element is a 
psychical representative image. We are concerned with Ideas 
which the mind conceives, and which may or may not be 
actual copies of reproductions of external objects. As sensa- 
tion may be intensified by various favoring circumstances, so, 
also, may ideation or imaging acquire intensity from Attention, 
Desire, Faith, etc., and then we have Imagination in its com- 
plex, as distinguished from its pure and simple form of imag- 
ining." 

Doctor: How is the intensity of ideas increased? 

Viola: By the Belief, Faith, or Expectation that certain 
phenomena will occur, and powerfully affect the body for good 
or ill, according as it is associated with Hope or Fear. Indeed 
Hope is usually involved in medical Faith; Fear is not. Both 
are frequently allied with 

Expectation and Belief. 

Doctor: What is Expectation? 

Viola: It is a belief in the future; if of a favorable charac- 
ter, it constitutes Hope; if unfavorable, Fear. Hope and Fear, 
according to Wundt, are special forms of Expectation, contain- 
ing an element of the indeterminate. Hope is the expectation 
of a wished-for event; Fear, the expectation of one not wished 
for. It is an apt description of his, that Expectation is the 
hurrying forward of the thoughts into the future. There may 
be the expectation of a muscular movement, or of a sensation, 
or that certain organic changes in the direction of health or 
disease will occur. As the influence of ideas is so largely de- 
termined by their hopeful or fearful character, the emotional 
element will constantly crop up in the consideration of the 
Imagination, just as under the head of emotional influence, the 
lustration of the effects of Fear must also represent Expecta- 



Mental Influences. 251 

tion, seeing that Fear is the apprehension of evil. Bain, who 
defines the primordial form of belief, as expectation of some 
more contingent future about to follow on an action, holds that 
James Mill erred, in common with most metaphysicians, in 
calling it a purely intellectual state. On the other hand, the 
distinctive character of the belief, from an intellectual point of 
view, must not be lost sight of, for it is not simply that a fear- 
ful belief will affect the bodily functions, but that the expec- 
tation of the form which it will take will determine more or 
less definitely the particular character of the affection. When 
Belief is intense, we say there is Confidence; Doubt is excluded, 
and Faith is all-powerful. The imagination has risen from a 
mere idea, image, or conception to an irresistible conviction, 
the very mental conviction which, from a medico-psycholog- 
ical point of view, is the desideratum in undertaking the treat- 
ment of diseases admitting of amelioration from a psychical 
method. 

Doctor: The old French Commission on Magnetism ob- 
served: "As to the Imagination, we know the derangement 
which a vivid and sudden impression has often occasioned in 
the human machinery. The Imagination renews or suspends 
the animal functions; it animates by Hope, or freezes by Fear; 
in a single night it turns the hair white; in a moment it restores 
the use of the limbs or the speech; it destroys or develops the 
germs of disease cells; it even causes death." Now we come 
to Sympathy and Imitation. 

Viola: "Sympathy refers to feeling, Imitation to action. 
There is the sympathy with both forms of feeling, mental and 
the sensational. The influence upon sensation of a mind en 
rapport with another mind illustrates both effects. One who sym- 
pathizes strongly with another who is suffering from bodily pain, 
is very likely to experience it himself. The emotional element 
enters strongly into this condition, but there may be what is 
termed sympathetic pain, when the knowledge, abstract idea, 
or conception is alone sufficient to induce corresponding bodily 
sensations without any excitement of emotional sympathy. At 
this point it really merges into Imitation. For with both it 
is this knowledge or apprehension of another's state, which, 
more or less involuntarily, causes similar actions, as expression, 



252 Woma?i and Health. 

gesture, and the tone of voice. A vivid imagination image of 
a phenomenon occurring to another is formed in the mind. 
This is reproduced in the spectator. The event is in accord- 
ance with the general law now under consideration. If John 
gapes when he sees Thomas gape, it is because the idea is for- 
cibly presented to his mind, and thus produces analogous acts. 
The idea is in this case excited by the sense of sight or of 
hearing; but it may be suggested in other ways, as when John 
simply thinks of the act and the same effect is produced, as 
has happened to myself from writing this sentence. Here we 
meet the additional principle, that whatever mental or bodily 
state can be excited through the senses from without may rise 
from within, from imagination proper. All these sympathies 
come into play when we only imagine ourselves acting on the 
stage of life, as well as when we are really doing so. It is this 
principle, well known to psychologists, but so often overlooked 
by the public, which continually turns upon the consideration 
of the questions now engaging our attention; and both prin- 
ciples united serve to form a clew to many otherwise inexpli- 
cable bodily manifestations, the effects of mental states. Imi- 
tation is closely allied with phenomena properly referred to the 
imagination, with those astonishing psychological dramas which 
have, at various epochs, arrested the attention of the world." 

Doctor: As regards the Imagination and Imitation, the 
former combines old forms until new ones arise, even if it does 
not create; the latter faculty does not invent, it only copies. 
They bear, in this aspect, the same relation to each other that 
the painter and the engraver do. Both are essential to the 
well-being of the individual and of the community. Without 
Imagination the world would be a desert, devoid of even 
its mirage; a barren present without future hopes. Without 
Imagination the lover and the poet, according to a high 
authority, could not exist. Without Imitation the acts of daily 
life, known as "habits," originating in unconscious mimicry 
and heredity, would be fresh inventions or discoveries in each 
individual. From our present practical standpoint, however, 
Imitation is rather the result of an idea excited by sensorial 
impressions or the imagination. It involves a reflection, or 
bodily counterpart, of a mental image. On the Influence of 



Mental Influences. 253 

the Intellect on Sensations, our author says: "The intellect 
may excite ordinary sensation, which, in addition, may be either 
excessive or diminished, while it may also induce perverted 
sensation, which may become painful. The terse, but compre- 
hensive, expression of John Hunter, which has already been 
cited, contains in a nutshell the principle that underlies the 
greater part of the phenomena referred to in this lesson. I am 
confident that I could fix my attention to any part until I have a sen- 
sation in that part!' 

Muller expresses the 

Influence of the Ideational 

upon the sensational center in equally clear terms. " Ideas do 
not act merely on the motor apparatus by which they are ex- 
pressed; they as frequently affect the organs of sense, which 
then present sensorial impressions or images of the ideas." 

Proofs are plentiful in every one's experience. Who has 
not shuddered at the thought of biting a woolen thread, pass- 
ing a nail over a rough surface, cutting of glass with a sharp 
instrument, the passing of a sleigh-runner over gravel, and 
many other like things. If twenty persons direct their atten- 
tion to their little fingers for five or ten minutes, the result will 
be something like this : a few will be unconscious of any sen- 
sation in this member; some will experience decided sensations 
— aching, pain, throbbing, etc.; and the majority will feel a 
slight sense of weight and tingling. This simple experiment 
raises several questions, but we believe there is real effect pro- 
duced upon the fingers if the thought is directed sufficiently 
long to it, and that these vascular changes are felt in the form 
of throbbing, weight, etc. 

Where Sensation is excessive. It is unnecessary to do more 
under this head than to refer, in illustration, to the notorious 
fact that an expectation of the pain, as an actual blow on any 
part of the body, greatly intensifies it. It is, in short, the con- 
verse of the other truth, that pain is not felt, or only slightly 
felt, when attention is directed into a different channel. 



254 Woman and Health. 

Diminished Sensation. 

Insensibility to bodily pain, artificially induced without 
drugs, and solely by psychical means, is a most interesting and 
important fact, and would require a chapter instead of a few 
paragraphs to do it justice. The simplest example of anaesthe- 
sia due to intellectual conditions occurs when the Attention is 
so powerfully arrested in a certain channel that the application 
of a painful stimulus to the body is not observed. The writer 
was on one occasion about to have a tooth extracted under the 
influence of laughing gas, when, in consequence of a casualty, 
the dentist was unable to administer it. Extraction was, there- 
fore, performed without it, but the operation was rendered 
almost painless by the writer vividly imagining pleasant ideas, 
and mentally repeating to himself, " How delightful ! How de- 
lightful." 

Perverted Sensation. 

"The individual under the influence of Braidism, persuaded 
that he is in danger of being lost in snow, shivers with imagi- 
nary, but to him, no less real cold." We may say that Shak- 
speare would be " surprised to learn " that a man might be able 
to hold a fire in his hand, and yet fancy himself cold by think- 
ing of the frosty coppices, and conversely might be able with- 
out feeling chilly to 

" Wallow naked in December's snow, 
By thinking on fantastic summer's heat." 

Viola: It is related here that Mr. Braid, in investigating 
the alleged discoveries of Reichenbach in regard to the old 
farce, found in nearly all cases, even when the persons had not 
been hypnotized, slowly drawing a magnet or other object from 
the wrist to the point of the fingers produced various effects. 
Among them were a " change of temperature, tingling, creep- 
ing, pricking," which when he reversed the motion, "was gen- 
erally followed by a change of symptoms, from the 

Altered Current of Ideas 
then suggested." 

Doctor: We know that the thought of anything which act- 
ually sets the teeth on edge may cause sensations of discom- 



Mental Influences. 255 

fort. My cook could never eat a peach unless it first had the 
skin removed; she could not even peel peaches to prepare 
them for the table. The skins suggested to her the thought of 
biting a piece of woolen cloth, and was distressing. As to act- 
ual pain caused by mental states, Sympathy, Expectation, etc., 
familiar instances are numerous. In obstetric practice I have 
frequently met with attendant friends and nurses who suffered 
labor pain in sympathy with the patient; and in a few cases 
the husband suffered a " fellow-feeling," which might be called 
sympathy! One of my sisters died of cancer of the breast, and 
I never think of her in her last illness that a darting, shooting 
pain is not immediately felt in the exact locality of the part 
which was affected in her. Any one can recall instances in 
proof of these effects. 

Sensation from association of ideas in accordance with the 
law of contiguity is aboundingly illustrated. I once passed 
through the fire in a burning building, barely escaping alive. 
Some weeks after, when walking along the street in usual good 
health, I smelled the smoke from burning shavings in a shop 
near by and suddenly dropped, faint and motionless. Ever 
since a disagreeable feeling of faintness comes over me when- 
ever I think of smoke from burning pine. 

We must pass over much that is of interest upon the Influ- 
ence of the Mind upon the Senses, and will merely observe 
that " attention to the various processes of secretion and nutri- 
tion, not only excites their activity, but is accompanied with 
more or less of definite feeling." "Attention directed to the 
stomach notably causes a sensation of weight, aggravating or 
even originating dyspepsia; discomfort, a sense of tension, and 
other forms of sensation may be induced in the several abdom- 
inal organs, as every one knows from experience." 

Viola: The influence of the Intellect upon the voluntary 
muscles is extremely irritating. From that wonderful fellow- 
feeling established by nature between mind and mind, body 
and body, or between the various parts of the mental and bod- 
ily constitution of the individual, Imagination, " sending elec- 
trical thrills through every nerve of the body," stirs the whole 
being to its depths through the operation of sympathy. The 
nearest stations being in communication with the most distant 



256 Woman and Health. 

outposts, and the frame changing now with its own, and now 
with another's condition, as reflected in its own chambers of 
imagery. The influence of Attention pure and simple upon 
the voluntary muscles (usually muscular sensations) is not so 
striking as some other mental states. In truth, as regards the 
voluntary muscles, it almost requires the guiding influence of 
an expectant idea to induce any well-marked action. Simple 
attention to the finger or the foot seems, however, to render it 
difficult to keep it motionless. A certain fidgetiness is begotten 
in the muscles of the part. 

Doctor: The influence of the intellect may cause spasms 
and convulsions. It has been pointed out by many medical 
writers, that the mere mention of water will in a hydrophobic 
person induce the recurrence of the symptoms. The image in 
the imagination causes the same effect as the attempt to swal- 
low water. A young lady patient under my care would have 
spasms whenever she was allowed to play certain pieces of 
music, which she had learned with much difficulty, through 
severe mental application. Temporary loss of muscular power 
is induced through the simple belief or conviction that a muscle 
cannot be contracted or relaxed. Instances of this are not rare. 

Viola: The Intellect acts upon the heart and involuntary 
muscles with a power similar to that which it exercises over the 
voluntary muscles. 

The Direction of Thought 

to the heart has, very generally, an embarrassing influence upon 
its regular action. It is true, emotional states exercise a much 
greater and more instant influence; but simple attention to its 
beats is usually attended by slight, and occasionally by pain- 
ful, cardiac disturbance. The action of an intellectual as dis- 
tinct from an emotional state is referred to by Sir H. Holland. 
"There is cause to believe the action of the heart is quickened, 
or otherwise disturbed, by merely centering the consciousness 
upon it, without any emotion or anxiety. On occasions, when 
its beats are audible, observation will give proof of this, or the 
physician can very often infer it while feeling the pulse. And 
where there is liability to irregular pulsation, such action is 
seemingly brought on, or increased, by the effort of attention, 



Mental Influences. 257 

even though no obvious emotion be present." Medical 
students often suffer from disturbed action of the heart when 
their thoughts are directed to this organ by their studies. 

Doctor: The Functions of Respiration are so closely con- 
nected with the heart that the influence of the Intellect upon 
the lungs may be referred to here, as is well expressed by Wil- 
kinson: "The breath awaits while the steady fingering thought 
explores, and then inspires, not whatever comes, but precise 
information. Let the reader observe himself when he is feel- 
ing for such information, and he will find his curiosity rejoicing 
in periods of suspended lungs. . . . We hear best in breath- 
less attention, and see most observantly when the eye-thought 
gazes unshaken and unprompted by the lungs. It is also to be 
noticed that the voice, which consists of perceptions freed from 
the mind and launched into the air, is made of the material of 
the expirations. The mind is breathed out into the social 
world by the expirations and their pauses, and not by the in- 
spirations. . . . The imagination, which is the intellect of 
the passions, builds especial houses in the breath, or, as it is 
said, forms air castles; these are its own explorations, in which 
it revels, for what it draws in is nothing to it, but what it 
breathes out is all. It does not, however, expire either to do 
or to die, but to run after its breaths as they sail through the 
air; not desiring to leave the world, but to propagate its image 
children in the universal imagery." The same writer makes 
some observations on the relations between the exercise of 
thought and respiration, which are true to nature. " Thought is 
still, and contemplation breathless; each involving, first, fixed 
breath, and, second, a small expiring; and so on, until the 
thought is traversed or the effort ends and begins in you. . . . 
To the senses, suspended animation is suspended conscious- 
ness; to the intellect, suspended animation may be life, thought, 
and supreme wakefulness. . . . Intellect touches so near 
upon trance, that the highest cases of either involve common 
phenomena and exist in the same persons." 

Viola: Sir Henry Holland observes that he has reason to 
think that " hemorrhage is often increased by attention, but 
whether by excitement of the heart's action or by direct in- 
fluence on the vessels of the part cannot be easily decided. 
17 



258 Woman and Health. 

Concentrated attention, moreover, will frequently give a local 
sense of arterial pulsation where not previously felt, and create 
or augment those singing and rushing noises in the ears, which 
probably depend on the circulation through the capillary 
vessels." 

Doctor: The influence of the imagination upon the ali- 
mentary canal is often illustrated. The thought of disagreeable 
cathartics will sometimes produce effects similar to those pro- 
duced by the drug. Cases of nausea and vomiting are also 
illustrations. I have known persons to vomit at sight of the 
tumbler which had contained medicine. 

Viola: The intellect may powerfully excite, modify, or sus- 
pend the organic functions, causing changes in nutrition, secre- 
tion, and excretion, and thereby affect the development and 
maintenance of the body. Illustration of the influence of ideas 
on secretion will readily occur to any one. 

Doctor: Unzer expresses the truth very clearly. " Many 
glands pour out their secretions from imaginations. The mental 
image or idea must, of course, be in relation to the secreting 
organs." The salivary glands are notably affected by ideas. 
Also the influence of attention upon the mammary glands is 
well recognized. The secretion of gastric juice is increased by 
the idea of eating, as proved by experiments on dogs and men 
with gastric fistula. The secretion of the liver is also thus 
affected. Thought acts upon the secretory functions of the 
skin, kidneys, and the intestinal glands. 

Viola: Influence of the emotions upon sensation may be 
such as to excite ordinary sensation, and this maybe excessive 
or diminished, also perverted, and even powerful. However 
difficult it may be to free an emotion from its intellectual 
accompaniment, certain mental states are comparatively emo- 
tionless. We have seen that a vivid idea definitely directed to 
a certain locality may, without generating any emotion, induce 
a sensation. If an unimpassioned thought can thus effect sen- 
sation, how much more profoundly will an intense emotion of 
fear or of joy effect it? Says Bain: "For securing attention 
to a limited subject, the feeling of terror is highly efficacious. 
Anxiety causes innumerable organic sensations — qualm in the 
stomach, not actual nausea, but the well-known indescribable 



Mental Influences. 259 

sensation referred to the pit of the stomach, the epigastric 
center; also equally marked sensations in the legs, hands, etc. 
Milton speaks of the " qualms of heart-sick agony." 
Doctor: In regard to 

Epigastric Sensations, 

there has always been a tendency to connect the deepest feel- 
ings of the soul with this region or the umbilicus. To this 
spot a monk in the eleventh century directs the thoughts to be 
turned, in order to arrive at the highest degree of mental 
insight. " When thou art alone in thy cell," says he, " shut thy 
door and seat thyself in a corner; raise thy mind above all 
things vain and transitory; recline thy beard and chin on thy 
breast; turn thy eyes and thoughts towards the middle of the 
abdomen and search the place of the heart, the seat of the soul. 
At first, all will be dark and comfortless; but if thou persevere 
day and night thou wilt feel ineffable joy, and no sooner has 
the soul discovered the place of the heart, than it is involved 
in a mystic and etherial light." 

Gibbon, in quoting the passage, characterizes the light as 
the production of a distempered fancy, the creature of an 
empty stomach and an empty brain. Shakspeare recognizes 
the influence of unhappy feelings on the sensations of the 
alimentary canal, in the passage in which Iago says: 

" The thought whereof 
Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards." 

Taylor says, in his "Early History of Mankind," that " at 
the Berlin Deaf and Dumb Institution, they push the forefinger 
against the pit of the stomach to express ' I '; that at the Edin- 
burgh institutions they indicate their desire or will by placing 
the hand on the stomach, in accordance with a natural and 
wide-spread theory that desire and passion are located there." 

Viola: We speak of the sickening details of a crime, a sick- 
ening scene, and it is acknowledged that the poisonous influ- 
ence of these, if aggravated, will produce actual vomiting. 
" Hope deferred maketh the heart sick!' 

" I feel such sharp dissention in my breast, 
Such fierce alarums both of hope and fear, 
As I am sick with working of my thoughts," 



260 Woman and Health. 

Emotion may excite sensation to an excessive degree, as in 
hypochondriasis, which, Romberg says, " can only be said to 
exist if the mind create new sensations, which, in their turn, 
give rise to nutritive derangements. . . . The mind is pro- 
ductive, it creates corporeal sensations and changes; the im- 
agination clings to its own productions, and attaches itself to 
a given group of sensory nerves." 

The special direction of thought to one part may cause 
anxiety, or anxiety may induce a person to direct his thoughts 
to operations of the bodily functions. It is doubtless true that 
the anxious reflection upon any of the bodily sensations in- 
creases them to a morbid extent, and may originate a host of 
imaginary disorders. 

The Influence of Emotion on the Voluntary Muscles. 

Doctor: We now hastily gather a few bits of information 
regarding the influence of emotion upon the voluntary muscles. 
Where is the ordinary influence of emotion upon the muscles 
most marked? 

Viola: Upon the face, "the Dyall of the affections." Rus- 
kin says: "There is not any virtue, the exercise of which, even 
momentarily, will not impress a new fairness upon the features, 
neither on them only, but the whole body." 

Doctor: What is the effect of joy? 

Viola: It excites the whole muscular system, producing, 
when excessive, laughter, rapid motions of limbs, dancing, 
running, leaping, throwing the arms about, and clapping or 
rubbing the hands. 

Doctor: How different the effects of grief ! In the early 
stage, acute pain induces wringing of the hands, grinding the 
teeth, tearing the hair, sobbing, groaning. Later, grief induces 
feeble respiratory movements and sighing, and produces on 
all the muscles effects, natural results, which have been felt to 
such a degree as to exhaust the system. 

Viola: Fear, if it does not proceed so far in the direction 
of terror as to paralyze the muscles, induces rapid muscular 
action in the form of flight, while it fixes and contracts the 
parts of the body in the instinctive attempt to conceal, and, 



Mental Influences. 261 

as it were, diminish their size. Says Spencer : " Fear, when 
strong, expresses itself in cries, in efforts to escape, in palpita- 
tion, in trembling, and these are just the manifestations that 
go along with the natural suffering of the evil feared." 

"He answered naught at all; but adding new 
Feare to his amazement, staring wide 
With stony eyes and hartlesse hollow hew, 
Astonisht stood, as one who had aspyed 
Infurnall furies with their chains untyde." 

Doctor: So, through the whole family of the Emotions, 
Terror, Suspicion, Courage, Calmness, Anger, Love, and Hate, 
etc., " the whole body is a tongue." 

In concluding our lesson, we are very certain that the emo- 
tions do not act exclusively upon any one organ. As any 
emotion may act upon any organ, it is not surprising that the 
same emotion may induce different diseases, and vice versa; 
but this is not inconsistent with the position that the same 
emotion may, under the same circumstances, aid in producing 
the same disease. Of these conditions one is the tempera- 
ment or diathesis of the subject of emotional excitement, an- 
other is the presence of actual disease in an organ. 

Viola: Most surely, and yet certain emotions, as fear, affect 
the action of the heart in all, both in health and disease. From 
this wonderful, timely book of Dr. Tuke's we have gathered 
treasures here and there which will be bright rays of light in 
illuminative power where there is so much that is dark or 
misty. In his preface, Dr. Tuke fitly quotes from Browning: 

"To shoot a beam into the dark, assists ; 
To make that beam do fuller service, spread, 
And utilize such bounty to the height, 
That assists also." 



Doctor: 



The Healing Power of Thought 



is fast becoming recognized as an important medical factor, 
and will yet take a leading position in the practice of the heal- 
ing art. 

Rev. C. H. Mann adds to the abundance of beautiful and 
useful words written upon this subject, by many enlightened 
and spiritually-minded men and women, these extremely useful 
lines: 



262 Woman and Health. 

" Healing from some spiritual cause and healing by means 
of the ordinary processes of nature must be in their essence 
identical. Both are the effects of the powers of life. Both are 
from the Lord. A method of healing must be regarded as 
normal and natural in order to be tolerated ; must be con- 
sidered simply as a means for procuring richer and more 
abundant supplies of life's forces for the healing of the body." 
Remedial agents " are really useful " when " of such a char- 
acter as to give true forces opportunities to work in certain 
useful ways." " The true doctrine places the health-giving 
power of spiritual forces in all that we do. It recognizes the 
Lord as the Giver and the Source of blessing in everything that 
we receive. It looks to Him to respond to our desires, as we, 
trusting Him, may exercise thought and the powers He has given 
us to accomplish the purposes we believe He approves. The 
true doctrine does not recognize the Lord as being any less 
present, or any less really the source of our health and of our 
success in life, when these come to us in an ordinary life of 
healthful trust in Him, and of orderly service of the neighbor 
in a profession, than when by seeming miracle we are made 
well, and when in unexpected ways the wants of our body are 
supplied. A healthful application of the laws of spiritual cure 
leads one away from the thought of physical disease. Such a 
one takes his health as he breathes the air, accepting it as the 
necessary accompaniment of the Lord's presence, receiving it 
as a child in his father's household receives the necessities of 
life. The spiritual man should receive health from the Lord 
with every inspiration of his breath, with every act of his body, 
in the ordinary and common-place things of his life's work, ig- 
noring disease, turning his back upon it without giving it a 
thought, letting the Divine Father care for it in accordance 
with the laws of His infinite power. It is not necessary for 
such a one to bring it into the center of his thoughts, to in- 
voke the divine care especially to it, and to place his concep- 
tion of it upon a banner to bear before him. He who receives 
spiritual health from the Lord in a healthful and true way, re- 
pudiates the thought of an exceptional divine presence in his 
soul, but glories in his union with all humanity in partaking of 
the infinite stream of health-giving power which flows from the 



Mental Influences. 263 

divine throne. The true doctrine upon this subject also 
acknowledges the presence of the Lord as something belong- 
ing to every one. It does not require an agent to bring it to 
you. It comes in the efforts of the regenerate life of each, as, 
looking to the Lord for all things, he forgets himself, and in 
personal identification with all men, like a simple child, he 
breathes the disease-destroying atmosphere of the divine 
presence. 

" Every human being in his inmost self is joined directly to 
the common Father of all, from whom, in infinite abundance, 
come pouring forth life and health. As each enters the right 
state for it, will open the doors which the Lord has made 
within him for the admission of that life, and through them, in 
copious abundance, there will descend into him a spiritual 
power bringing all peace to his soul, and a natural power bring- 
ing all health to his body. 

" How transcendently important it is, then, if we would be 
blessed with that healing of the body which the powers of 
spiritual life can bring us, that we recognize the reality and the 
power of spiritual things, that we refuse to give material forces 
control over us by believing in them, that we come under the 
dominion of the great flowing river of life and of strength, 
which comes down through Heaven and the spiritual world, 
into our souls, from the Lord. The very existence of the 
material universe is as dependent on the spiritual universe as 
the shadow is dependent on the light that casts it. And yet 
we turn our backs upon the infinite power and reality within, 
and resolutely fix our eyes upon the shadow, giving it our 
allegiance, having faith in it, trusting it, and worshiping it; 
thus, by the very action of our thoughts in reference to it, 
closing our souls to the current of the descending actual life 
from above. We must, then, if we would receive the true 
benefit in the health of our bodies which can come from the 
spiritual power of Heaven, believe in that power. We must 
accept the doctrine that in spiritual life is all true life, that in 
spiritual power is the only power, and that in spiritual reality is 
the only substance. 

" The mind-cure advocates are right in exalting the soul 
over the body. They are right in affirming the substantial 



204 Woman and Health. 

reality of spiritual things, and the unreality of natural things. 
They are right in making the spiritual world the world of 
causes, the natural world the world of effects from those causes. 
They are right in appealing to spiritual forces to effect the re- 
moval of natural diseases ; and they are right, in general, in 
advocating a life of repose and trust to the powers of spiritual 
life to accomplish all things for them, to remove their disabili- 
ties, and to bestow upon them all necessary power. And this 
one thing they have added to the cause of spiritual healing : 
they have demonstrated the practical ability of mental con- 
ditions to control physical conditions and to do away with 
physical infirmities. They have demonstrated the practical 
power of the soul over the body; and this not as a theory, but 
as a practical method of life, bringing health and comfort to 
those who choose to take advantage of it. Among the many 
external things that may be observed, I will notice, first, that 
making one's ailments prominent in his thoughts and conver- 
sation is injurious to the health-giving power of the spiritual 
forces. If, in your conversation, you treat the sicknesses with 
which you are afflicted as though they were really enemies of 
your body, possessing an actual self-existent nature, you thereby 
give them a hold upon you which they would otherwise not 
possess. To be continually looking to the ill feelings of your 
body, always examining your pulse, as it were, forever think- 
ing of this ache or that discomfort, analyzing all the strange 
or peculiar sensations that may come to you, and discussing 
such matters with others, all such conduct gives a basis in your 
mind for the presence of the evil spirits who aggravate and 
maintain your ailments. Such methods of thought and con- 
versation are among the things that most do hinder the pres- 
ence and the efficiency of the health-giving influx of Heaven. 
Yet it seems as if the dominant habits of polite society made 
such topics as these the leading subjects of anxious inquiry and 
discussion. It is the very method, in the law of spiritual doc- 
trine, that will most successfully fasten disease upon us, and 
make the spiritual cure of our sicknesses impossible. This may 
appear like a trifling, external thing, but it is an important ele- 
ment in the law of cure by spiritual forces. It is useful to cul- 
tivate a habit of healthful thought and conversation. As we 



Mental Influences. 265 

avoid the sicknesses of life as our subjects of consideration, we 
not only refuse them a spiritual beginning, but we therefore 
give to the health-producing powers of spiritual life a grasp 
upon us which will be effective in producing and maintaining 
good health. 

"A second external habit of life, which is most closely allied 
to this first, will naturally suggest itself to all. It is indulging 
in a false sympathy for our friends. We can be sympathetic 
for a sufferer in a way that will aggravate his pain. We may 
be sympathetic in a way that will help his recovery. It is not 
necessary for me to say which is the true sympathy and which 
is the false sympathy. If one were to go to an injured man, 
tear the bandage from the part that was hurt, start the stanched 
blood to flowing again, and cause the pain to be renewed, he 
would be regarded as wickedly cruel. But not less really cruel 
is that unkind love and sympathy which brings so prominently 
into thought and conversation the sicknesses of your friends in 
the expression of your sympathy for them, that the difficulties 
are aggravated and the patient made worse. No sympathy for 
a sick friend is kind that does not help him to be better. And 
all sympathy that aggravates his ailments, though expressed in 
the most loving terms and affectionate tones of voice, is surely 
cruel. Let our association with each other be healthful. Our 
conversation, the thoughts we cherish, the sphere of our affec- 
tions should go forth to help all with whom we are associated, 
to strengthen them against sickness, to weaken the hold of the 
disease-producing causes of the other world upon them. Such 
sympathy, though in its true form it may not be replete with 
sentiment as is the false sympathy I have referred to, has the 
divine love within it, and makes the visits of him who can give 
it like the coming of an angel of Heaven." 



266 W oi nan and Health. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES FOR WOMAN TO UNDER- 
STAND. 

Doctor: Ah, you have about hid yourself behind a stack of 
books this morning. You expect thus to obtain clear and well- 
defined ideas as to the nature of disease and the modus operandi 
of remedies? 

Viola: I have not only taken all these books down from 
the shelves, and placed them here for convenient reference, 
but have worked faithfully ever since our last conversation, and 
hoped to find something before meeting you to-day. 

Doctor: Find what? Something concerning the subjects I 
mentioned ? Did you learn what disease is? Tell me what you 
have gathered from the books. 

Viola: Very little that is definite or satisfactory. There is 
much difference of opinion, and various theories seem built on 
mere opinion. The medical authors seem substantially to 
agree on one point — that very little is known as to the nature 
of disease. Prof. S. D. Gross says : " Of the essence of disease 
very little is known — indeed, nothing at all." And so on. I 
have marked a list of like expressions ; shall I read them to 
you? 

Doctor: That is not necessary ; but surely you find some 
definite doctrine taught by the various schools of medicine. 
Consult your authors, and tell me, from their doctrines and 
practices, what you would think disease to be. Wait, you may 
also draw your answer from observation. Judging from the pop- 
ular methods of cure, of means employed to eradicate or pal- 
liate disease as it presents itself in phases almost without limit, 
what is disease ? 

Viola: It is an entity. A lawless something. It wars 
against the vital organism, is unfriendly to the interests of the 



Important Principles for Woman to Understand. 267 

domain it invades. Seats itself, or is seated, wherever it seems 
disposed, on some vital organ or less important structure. 
Takes itself up, wanders about from one locality to another, 
and sits down again, whenever and wherever it pleases. Is of 
a very bad, malignant disposition, sometimes ; again, is quite 
mild and amiable. It has about a thousand names. Nosolo- 
gists have classified and named about a thousand manifesta- 
tions of this diabolical Something — whatever it is. It is an 
enemy, and must be so regarded and so ministered unto. 

Doctor: Accepting your definition, what of necessity should 
be the attitude of remedies employed? 

Viola: Warlike. " An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." 
Poison for poison. Drive out the intruder, suppress, destroy, 
break up generally. Find out if you can what organ is sat 
down on, and with whip and lash rout it thence ; chase after 
it into every tissue and cell of the body, wherever it dares to 
show its head. Gather all the missiles — there is one for every 
appearance of disease — and shoot straight at the symptom. 
If you do not hit it first, try again, and again, for surely 
there is virtue in the weapon if you can only find the 
right one for the particular occasion. I have seen persons 
take half a dozen different kinds of medicine under the 
belief that if one did not cure another might. It is doubtless 
this thought which leads in the matter of popular reme- 
dies, for those containing the greatest number and variety 
of ingredients are most acceptable. Dr. J. J. Garth Wilkinson 
says: " Instead of the bows and arrows of the old Esculapians, 
we have rifled cannon of prescription. With good aim, it would 
be very well if the diseases were out of the patients and could 
be shot down at a distance from them, but the diseases are in 
the patients; thus the patients strew the battle-fields, and their 
diseases are kept alive in their posterity. But the mouth is no 
longer the only spot invaded. The whole body in its skin, 
which is meant to individualize the man and to be a castle of 
safety, is made into a mouth for the reception of poisons, and 
gapes with wounds to let them in. Injections of toxical sub- 
stances into the cellular tissue, and so into the blood and 
lymph, is a practice extending more and more every year. 
Diseases and their victims are 



26S Woman and Health. 



Debauched with Morphia, 

and crave it with a drunkard's eagerness. This evil practice is 
established in spite of and in defiance of all reason. Think of 
the proposition to inject foulness, only a little foulness, to do 
you good." 

Julia: I think it is wickedly cruel of your profession to 
treat the people so. No wonder the patent-medicine man is so 
generally patronized. I see now it is all owing to the teaching 
and practices of the regular doctors, that he has such oppor- 
tunity to delude and deprave the people. 

Doctor: I confess to the truth of your accusation. Here is 
another truth in the matter. It is not usually, if ever, the case 
that a time-honored, powerful organization takes the lead in 
seeking out its own evils and weaknesses, and in abandoning 
them. That kind of growth and resistless inquiry comes from 
without the fully matured and satisfied body. This principle 
pervades human society and government. It is really a law, 
and, if understood by you, would lead to more charitable 
judgment of the profession. 

But to your definition of disease. It is a clear one, consist- 
ent with what you have read and observed. The question 
arises, however, is it a true one? Please pay close attention 
while I give you a definition of disease. It is important to 
have a sure foundation at the beginning. It is a common fault 
to mistake the causes of disease for the disease itself. 

Disease is an action, not an entity, and is governed by law. 
It is indeed a war, but a war against morbific causes. This war 
is carried on, not by an intruding enemy, but by the vital powers 
within the system attacking substances which have no harmony 
with or rightful relation to the living organism. 

Dr. Trail says : "Disease is an effort to rid the system of nox- 
ious matter, or to repair damages. It is a process of purification. 
It should ?iot be subdued, nor killed, nor cured, nor destroyed, but 
regulated and directed!' This commotion, disturbance, disquie- 
tude naturally tends toward health, is governed by a law of 
nature, which, as Dr. Evans says, u is only the uniform mode 
through which the divine power acts." 



Important Principles for Woman to Understand. 269 

Viola: Allow me to read you this paragraph from Dr. 
Evans : " A state of health is a condition of wholeness, en- 
tireness, completeness, and the word holy is from the same 
root. In what does this entireness, wholeness consist? The 
animating principle of the body is what we call, interchange- 
ably, the soul, the mind, the spirit. There is a law of corre- 
spondence, of correlation, between the inner man, the living 
soul, and the external organism, or the latter answers to the 
former as a shadow to the substance, an echo to the original 
sound, and an effect to a producing cause. 

"When the correspondence between the two departments 
of our complex existence is complete, the body is pervaded in 
every part and without obstruction by the spiritual principle. 
This is a state of wholeness or health. When the spiritual es- 
sence does not harmoniously pervade every part, there is some- 
thing wanting in that part. It is no longer complete or whole. 
The effort, the conatus, the spontaneous and inherent endeavor, 
the unconscious struggle of the soul to restore the partially 
sundered correspondence, is a state of unrest, of disquietude, 
of disturbance, expressed by the word, disease — without ease." 

Dr. J. H. Dewey, in "Christian Theosophy," says: "Dis- 
ease we will define as a disturbed or damaged condition of 
vital action, to which all physical organisms, whether of plant, 
animal, or man, are liable under abnormal conditions, and 
which in animals and men often causes great suffering and 
distress. To remove the disturbance and restore the balance 
of harmony in the vital processes, is to remove the disease and 
restore the health of the sufferer. There is an inherent tendency 
in the principle of life in all organisms, whether of plant, ani- 
mal, or man, spontaneously to react against the disturbance, 
recover the lost balance, and in case of injury to the organs or 
tissues, either from disease or accident, to heal and restore the 
injured parts. This takes place in plants, the same precisely 
as in animals and man, and therefore is independent of mental 
action one way or the other. It is the spontaneous and auto- 
matic action of the healing function of life itself." 

Again, " there is but 



270 Woman and Health. 



One Power of Healing, 

and that is lodged in the life of the individual. This power 
may be disturbed and the normal action prevented by various 
influences and conditions; and, by the operation of the same 
law, it may be quickened and reinforced by the appropriate 
influences and conditions." 

We now come to the modus operandi of remedies. 

Doctor: That will do. You see by this time that your 
definition of disease would be rather unsatisfactory, to say the 
least. 

Viola: I do. But, excuse me, is not yours revolutionary? 
From what I learn, you would accord to the living tissue all 
the action and life, and not admit the action of drugs, calling 
them inert, dead matter. On the other hand, the drug is said 
to act upon the vital system or upon the disease. Each prac- 
tices according to his own theory. 

Doctor: Of course. The hygienist recognizes in disease an 
action that is friendly. He takes the hint, and assists in re- 
moving the cause. From this view the one who administers 
the poison in order to kill the disease only adds a burden, and 
does not aid the living organism. 

Viola: If disease is a repairing process tending toward 
health, why not allow it to run its course unchecked? 

Doctor: That is better than to throw obstacles in the way. 
But you must understand that the vital instincts must be held 
subject to intelligence, and that is about all that can be done in 
any disease under any condition. Regulate and guide the 
direction of the vital instincts. This is a fundamental rule. 
Balance circulation. 

Viola: But do not drugs act chemically on vital tissue? 

Doctor: Chemical action takes place only after vitality has 
departed. The drug would have to unite with the tissue, so as 
to form a new compound. Take a poison into the stomach. 
Does it act chemically? Does it unite with the stomach and 
form another substance? Or, does the vital power resident 
there arouse itself to resist its presence? That is vital, not 
chemical, action. 



Important Principles for Woman to Understand. 271 

Viola: If, then, drugs do not act upon the vital system, 
how is it with food? Does not that act to give strength and 
nourish the various tissues? 

Doctor: It is with food exactly as with medicine. 

The Stomach Acts. 

Useless matters taken with the food are rejected by the vital 
powers, as are the waste products of the system. It is not less 
reasonable to conclude that the using power is as much vital as 
the refusing or rejecting power. 

Viola: Have patience with me, doctor; but what are we to 
understand when a delicate invalid gains strength under the 
use of a tonic. The whole system is energized by it. Does not 
the medicine act in that instance, and has not the strength of 
the living structure been thereby enhanced? 

Doctor: It is the same " oft-repeated story " of vital resist- 
ance. The generous and vigorous action of the living domain, 
in its effort to expel what it cannot use, looks like added vital 
power. Tonics are no exception. They call out vital resist- 
ance more slowly than do stimulants, hence their "effect" is 
said to be more lasting. But it is only extravagant and waste- 
ful application of vital power, for if the amount of force called 
out were expended in normal channels the strength would 
be truly increased ; then no reaction from excessive action fol- 
lows. For a good illustration of vital action on the defensive, 
please read what W. V. Hardy says of a blister : 

Viola : "Upon the application of heat and certain poisons, 
serum is thrown out to protect the surface — quickly, if the 
vital power is strong; slowly, if it is weak; and not at all if 
life is extinct. If the fluid were drawn out by the blister, it 
would make no distinction between the living and the dead 
person. It would destroy the tissues after life was extinct ; 
just as any foreign power could rule in any part of our land, 
after the authority of the present government had been de- 
stroyed. It makes the same difference which theory is true 
that it would whether you received money as a gift or as a 
loan with fifty per cent, interest. If poison acts upon the sys- 
tem beneficially, then it is a boon ; but if the effect observed 



272 Woman and Health. 

is vital action aroused to expel the poison, then the apparent 
benefit is a loan with heavy interest." Allow me to read the 
whole page? 

Doctor : Do. It is a lesson in a few words. 

Viola: "We turn to the practical test of judging these 
opposite theories by their fruits. One teaches that stimulants 
and condiments are indispensable ; the other, that food alone 
is useful. Nature kindly guards us from harm by diminishing 
the enjoyment as we approach excess. Thus food, which at 
first is palatable, becomes insipid. Exercise, which at first 
gives pleasure, becomes weariness. Wakefulness is succeeded 
by desire for sleep ; and everywhere this law protects us from 
harm until 

Flattering Stimulants 

step in and give us appetite for the otherwise unpalatable food, 
goad on the energies of the weary, and banish the desire for 
sleep, giving unrestricted license for excess in every depart- 
ment of our nature. Before us lie two roads : one, with the 
guiding light of nature wisely given by our Creator, to protect 
us from every possible danger; the other, with the danger call 
of stimulated sensation, leads on to perverted appetites and 
excited impulses — downward into the clutches of the demons 
intemperance and sensuality. Stimulation is sailing the voyage 
of life without chart or compass. The temperate use of any 
evil is a practical failure. Excess will certainly follow. If we 
sow to the wind we shall reap the whirlwind. The belief that 
stimulants are useful is the foundation of their almost universal 
use. If we consider them good in disease, and bad only in 
excessive quantities, with no rule to guide, no uniform practice 
among their advocates in relation to their use, we are seeding 
for the resulting harvest of intemperance. Contrast this un- 
certainty with the simple truth, food alone is useful. Just as 
in the construction of fabrics we seek only for suitable material, 
not using cotton in making plows, nor steel in weaving calico. 
Stimulants are as foreign to the use of the body as cotton is to 
the plow." 

Doctor: You now perceive the difference between the two 
theories of disease, and what the effect of each must be upon 
its application to practice. 



Important Principles for Woman to Understand. 273 

Prof. Willard Parker, M. D., says : " Of all sciences medi- 
cine is the most uncertain." Prof. E. H. Davis, M. D., of the 
New York Medical College : " The modus operandi of medicines 
is still a very obscure subject. We know that they operate, but 
exactly how they operate is entirely unknown." Prof. Chas. D. 
Meigs, M. D., of the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 
Pa., says : " All of our cogitations respecting the modus operandi 
of medicines are purely empirical." Prof. Joseph M. Smith, 
M. D., of the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons : 
11 All medicines which enter the circulation poison the blood in 
the same manner as do the poisons which produce disease." 
Benjamin Rush, M. D., says : " I am incessantly led to make an 
apology for the instability of the theories and practice of 
physic. Those physicians generally become the most eminent 
who have most thoroughly emancipated themselves from the 
tyranny of the schools of medicine. Dissections daily convince 
us of our ignorance of disease, and cause us to blush at our pre- 
scriptions. What mischief have we not done under the belief 
of false facts and false theories? We have assisted in multi- 
plying diseases ; we have done more, we have increased their 
fatality." 

Viola: How different the clear ringing tones which formu- 
lated this definition: "Disease is not an enemy at war with the 
vital powers, but a remedial effort, a process of purification and 
reparation. It is not a thing to be destroyed, subdued, or suppressed, 
but an action to be regulated and directed." 

Hygieo-Therapy Knows 

that in their relations to each other living matter is active, and 
that dead, inert matter is passive. 

Doctor: Yes. Shakspeare, in "Henry IV.," says: 

" Within a ken our army lies ; 
Upon mine honor, all too confident 
To give admittance to a thought of fear." 

Or doubt. " All the unsettled humors of the land " are mar- 
shaled forces bearing witness to this simple truth. Every truth 
in the universe is in harmony with every other truth, and what 
is founded in a law of nature is self-evidently true. 
18 



274 Woman and Health. 

Viola: I now understand that the vital system acts, not the 
dead, inert matter of drugs. But what of the special or elec- 
tive affinity — a preference which the drug is said to exercise? 
How do you account for that? 

Doctor: I will answer you in the words of the immortal Dr. 
Trail : " Instead of there being an affinity particular, special, 
elective, or selective between an inorganic drug and a vital 
organ, the truth is the reverse. The relation is that of abso- 
lute and 

Eternal Antagonism. 

It is repugnance and aversion, instead of affinity." And the 
action, too, is all on the other side. " The living system acts on 
the drugs, instead of the drugs on the living system. And this 
is true of all remedial agents. It is also as true of food and 
hygienic agencies as it is of medicines or poisons. The living 
system acts. It acts on food and normal agents — on things use- 
ful or usable — to digest and appropriate them. It acts on drugs, 
medicines, or poisons — on things not useful or usable — to resist 
and expel them. Whatever is convertible into its own sub- 
stance the system appropriates — uses. Whatever is not so 
transformable it rejects. When a person takes ipecac, anti- 
mony, or lobelia into the stomach the drug is soon ejected. 
The process by which it is expelled is termed vomiting. Is 
vomiting an action of the stomach or an action of the drug? 
Poison is cast out ; stomach remains. Which acted on the 
other? We are told that the drug first acts on the stomach, 
makes an impression on it, irritates it, etc., and then the stomach 
responds, acts, or reacts on the drug. This proposition involves 
the unparalleled absurdity that a dead, inorganic, inert sub- 
stance has, in itself, a power to act, a property of life, and even 
an intelligence, or at least an instinct ; for it chooses, ' elects ' 
or ' selects,' the place in which and the part whereon it will 
act ! Again, it is said that the drug may act mechanically, in 
virtue of the form, size, shape, or arrangement of its molecular 
particles ; or chemically, because of the affinity of its elements 
with the constituents of the organic structures. Mechanical 
action relates only to the position or motion of bodies in 
obedience to the law of gravitation. This law affects all mat- 



Important Principles for Woman to Understand. 275 

ter alike, living or dead, so that mechanical action, as between 
the dead and living organism, is a misnomer or impossibility. 
And chemical action means simply the combination and sepa- 
ration of the particles or elements of inorganic matter. There 
is no chemical affinity or action between dead and living mat- 
ter, and no relation except that of repulsion." 

Viola: But some medicines are emetics, some cathartics, 
etc. Will you please explain this? 

Doctor: " The living organism rejects and expels poisons, 
as best it can, under all circumstances. Some it can best eject 
by vomiting ; we may call these emetics. But do not let us 
mistake the sound for the sense, and suppose that they act upon 
the stomach. They are emetics, because the stomach acts, vigor- 
ously and promptly, on them. Other drugs, medicines, or 
poisons can best be expelled through the bowels. We may 
call them cathartics or purgatives. Other agents can be, with 
least wear and tear, got rid of through the skin or kidneys, and 
we call them diaphoretics or diuretics. Others are deter- 
mined to the surface with a degree of vigor and energy which 
increases the arterial circulation and the superficial heat, 
and we may denominate them stimulants and tonics ; while 
others are resisted so intensely in the first passage that the 
action is determined from the surface to the center, rendering 
the skin cold and pale, and the brain depressed or stupefied ; 
and we may call them antiphlogistics and narcotics. But still 
let us not be deceived by words. The medicines produce cer- 
tain effects. But how? Their presence occasions vital action 
to get rid of them, just as a thief in your domicile of a dark 
night would cause you to act so as to eject him through 
whatever door, window, or other outlet you found most con- 
venient." 

"Why the presence of certain substances introduced within 
the vital domain occasions certain methods of resistance, which 
we name emesis, catharsis, etc., we may not be able to under- 
stand, but we do know that 



276 Woman and Health. 



The Vital System Acts, 

and inert matter is acted upon, whenever and under whatever 
circumstances they are brought into contact. 

" He only can be the true physician who can see God's 
providence, heaven's order, and nature's law in all circum- 
stances, vicissitudes, and phenomena of human existence." 

" That, changed through all, is yet in all the same." 



Bronchitis. 277 



CHAPTER XXII. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Physicians of any considerable experience know that this 
insidious, stealthily-approaching malady is not "the cause of 
itself," but the result of constitutional disorder which has been 
neglected, overlooked, or badly managed. Wherever nutrition 
is defective, the strength waning, appetite capricious, functional 
duties of the organs tardily performed, if at all, and a tired look 
and feeling pervading the system, there is good soil for con- 
sumption and bronchitis. Cough is an early symptom usually. 
A "nervous cough" or "stomach cough" is not of itself a 
very important disorder, but it is a sign of morbid sympathy 
becoming established between the stomach and lungs, and may 
prove serious. There are two reasons why this sympathy exists 
between the digestive organs and the bronchia and the lungs : 
one is, the same mucous surface which lines the stomach also 
extends through them ; the other, the same system of nerves 
prevails in each. Hence, irritations excited in the stomach are 
conveyed by the branches of the ganglionic nerves to the 
windpipe, and the respiratory muscles and nerves are prompted 
by this irritation into a " convulsion of cough." 

Viola: I suppose anything which renders the stomach irri- 
table induces this cough. Mental emotions often excite it ; 
because the stomach is evidently first affected by such influ- 
ences, and then the lungs through sympathy. 

Doctor: But so long as bad digestion and assimilation are 
persistent there is no safety, even if the cough is at times re- 
lieved. When the cough merges into expectoration, with symp- 
toms of having "taken cold," it is become bronchial; the 
mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes is implicated. The 
more frequent and prolonged these attacks are, and that is 
their manner of progress, the inflammation creeps down the air 
tubes, and finally takes permanent hold of the mucous mem- 



278 Woman and Health. 

brane, when chronic bronchitis is fixed. The digestive symptoms 
are very commonly overlooked, and even denied, because there 
is ability to eat enormously sometimes, as in nervous dyspepsia ; 
but chronic bronchitis is always established and supported by im- 
perfect digestion and assimilation. 

Julia: May not a person have a cold in the head, and even 
in the chest, and it all pass off without any further trouble? 

Doctor: Yes. But if the stomach continues in disorder 
the " cold " will reappear again and again until it does become 
chronic. The medicine usually taken for the cough adds to the 
indigestion, and thus increases the mischief it is intended to 
abate. Perhaps years of this fruitless endeavor are spent, act- 
ing on a denial of stomach derangement, and the complications 
drive the case into hopelessness. The cough becomes more 
frequent, expectoration varies, all the evils and torments of 
liver disease and dyspepsia put together concentrate here; and 
yet the patient declares the stomach is sound, any sort of food 
can be digested ; and surely there seems reason to believe large 
quantities are needed, there is such lack of strength. 

Viola: Is bronchitis curable? I do not see what you would 
do for it, but on the principle of bringing the digestive organs 
into healthy conditions. 

Doctor: Exactly; that is all those air tubes need. 

Reduce Stomach Irritation, 

and then the source of morbid sympathies is cut off. In such 
a case I would advise the patient who undertakes self-cure to 
have regard entirely to nutrition. This includes about what 
would be done for dyspepsia in the way of food. Mechanical 
massage, if possible, should be applied ; if not, do the next 
best. I now recall a case treated after it had run the course of 
ordinary treatment and travel for years. Please give it from 
the case-book. 

Julia: " Mr. R inherited bronchial consumption; all his 

family, except the father, now dead, and he is dying of ' old- 
fashioned consumption,' which has lasted nearly twenty years. 
Patient, about thirty-eight; light complexion, tall, thin, stoop- 
shouldered, weak. Is very hoarse, coughs and expectorates 



Bronchitis. 279 

profusely ; has irregular chills, night sweats, sore throat, fever. 
Good appetite at times, and indulgence in eating to satisfy ap- 
petite excites cough. Pulse, no. In fact, the house patients 
judge me unwise to attempt cure in this case, and some have 
urged me to decline it; but a few days will decide correctly 
what is best to do. Mechanical massage given to extremities 
every morning. Fomentation over liver and stomach for an 
hour following. Compress well covered with dry flannel, worn 
over stomach and liver, from three o'clock until bed-time each 
day. Free drinking of hot water; two meals a day of grains 
and fruit exclusively, and very sparingly. At bed-time the wet 
girdle from arm-pits to thighs applied. Sunshine and pure air 
and rest. Treatment was changed as the case grew better, and 
pretty vigorous voluntary motion was added. Pulse at the end 
of two weeks, 74. Hoarseness better, no chills that were notice- 
able, but slight fever, improvement in digestion, as bowels were 
not now dependent on enema. In six weeks patient went home 
on business, expecting to return, but continued so to improve 
that home treatment completely answered the desired purpose. 
The same ' rigid,' but very acceptable, diet was observed. We 
sent him Graham crackers by the box. The gain in flesh was 
delayed for some months, but as all the functions were restored 
and the local affection gave way, marked increase in weight 
was observed, and several pounds were added weekly for a 
time." 

Doctor: This case, cured six years ago, has never relapsed, 
and the " constitutional taint " need never be reproduced. 
Yes, bronchitis is curable, but not always cured. To such cases^ 
under home-care, I would say: live on grains and fruit, two 
meals a day, and only enough, not too much. Hot water may 
be taken in sips at any time, and full drinking before breakfast 
one hour, and the same time previous to dinner, making a full 
supper on hot water alone. Twice daily, at regular hours, apply 
fomentation to the stomach and liver half an hour each time. 
Removing the fomenter, sponge the surface in cool water and 
rub very thoroughly ; squeeze and press the liver and abdomen. 
Gently strike the liver with the side of the hand a moment or 
so. Breathe deeply, arms stretched up over the head, while 
lying on the back. 



280 Woman and Health. 

Live out of doors ; take 

No Exhaustive Exercise ; 

but a light kind of labor; light gardening, for instance, is good, 
as both mind and body are employed and interested. Wear flan- 
nels the year through; silk next the skin and flannels over this 
is preferable, but the flannel alone is sufficient where silk is not 
liked. The skin must be prompted to action by dry rubbings 
morning and night, and at least two general soap and towel 
baths each week. 

The delightful air-bath may be combined with dry rubbing, 
if the surface is briskly acted upon and there is not too much 
enfeebleness. A change of flannels worn next the skin should 
be made at least twice a week. Night-clothes the same. Much 
relief is had in fomenting the throat and chest, which may be 
done at bed-time for forty minutes or so, after which apply a 
compress wrung from cold water and covered abundantly with 
dry flannel. This to be worn every night, and when removed 
next morning sponge the surface in cold water, rubbing well 
and drying with towel. 

Mucilaginous fluids, as flax-seed tea, with lemon, are found 
soothing in these bronchial coughs and not harmful. There 
is constipation and often piles complicating the disorder ; 
enema, after morning fomentation, clearing the bowels, may be 
taken, and usually a small one, a gill of cool water, may after- 
wards be introduced to remain. 

There is such a variety of conditions to meet, and yet pretty 
uniform treatment will answer for all, though a degree of adap- 
tation to individual cases must be observed. 

Keep in mind that whatever restores nutrition lays the 
enemy low. Voluntary movements of the trunk should be 
daily practiced, perhaps before time for fomenting. 

1. Sitting on a stool, place hands on the sides, and bend 
the body forward and back slowly ; counting about five at 
first, but this may be increased to twenty or more. 

2. Bend slowly from side to side, counting. 

3. Now diagonally to the right, counting the same. 

4. Diagonally to the left. Rest a few moments. 



Bronchitis. 281 

5. Hands clasped on top of head, twist the body each way 
slowly, as far as possible, about five times. Rest. 

6. Sit on a bench which is so high as to allow the feet to 
escape the floor. Clasp the hands over the head, swing the feet 
back and forth vigorously. After resting, repeat this ; grasp- 
ing the bench at the edge with each hand, and bearing steadily 
on the hands, almost lifting the body. 

7. Lie flat, arms stretched, inhale slowly and exhale slowly 
— several times. The last two or three times may be followed 
by patting the chest while the lungs are held inflated. This 
may not be practicable always, as cough is sometimes thus 
troublesome. 

8. Knead abdomen. 

9. Gradually accustom yourself to hang by the hands. At 
first bear only a portion of the weight, and increase the demand 
on your arms until the weight can not only be borne, but the 
body drawn up even several inches from the floor. Rest an 
hour or so after this. 

Uterine complications are often present in bronchitis, as also 
in the more direct lung disease. 

The general treatment here indicated will be sufficient to 
meet these in most cases. Local symptoms of these compli- 
cations will yield as the system grows towards improved states. 

If these are severe, congestion, displacement, or any form 
of mismenstruation, treat as directed for these disorders, modi- 
fying, not adding to that already given. 

Do not talk much. Avoid mental excitement, pleasurable 
or painful. Waste no energy. Do not cough, control it. 
Understand there is no remedial power in what you do, or apply, 
or take. You only act in obedience to the command, " Cease to 
do evil," when you "learn to do well," to remove obstructions 
which prevent the inflow of life and its manifestation in your 
body. There is a universe of life and health. Why are yoti en- 
feebled for lack of this? Why, when you darken your windows, 
are you shut out from the beautiful sunlight? Does God 
arbitrarily shut the light and warmth of His sun from you? Or, 
have you closed the shutters and hung up the curtains? Re- 
move these obstructions, then, if you would enjoy and be helped 
by the inpouring sun ray. This is for you to do. Trust God 
for the rest. Yes, trust Him. 



282 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. 

Doctor: It would be absurd enough for us to take up the 
study of this affection with reference to obtaining anything of 
practical use to those who are looked upon as incurably dis- 
eased, did we not know that such views are incorrect, because 
based upon false premises. Mark, I do not say all cases of 
consumption are curable. But some are. And while making 
ourselves acquainted with its supporting factors, much will be 
gained in the knowledge of what to withhold and how. So con- 
sumption is liable to be undermined, left unsupported, and as 
it cannot be sustained under such circumstances, will be pre- 
vented, or taken hold of in its incipiency, which is next best, 
and greatly in advance of the neglect which leads to despair. 

Dr. Watson says : " Phthisis, you know, means a wasting 
away or consuming ; but of late years it has been restricted to 
that species of wasting disease which consists in the occupation 
of the lungs by tubercular matter, and the changes which that 
matter suffers and works. But it would be an error to suppose 
that the disease is restricted to the lungs in these cases. The 
lung disease would be sufficient at length to destroy life, but its 
mortal tendency is aided and accelerated by disease situated in 
other organs!' * l The pulmonary consumption, as Dr. Latham 
justly observes, is no more than a fragment of a great consti- 
tutional malady. But that malady plays its part most con- 
spicuously in the lungs." 

" You ought to be aware," he says in another place, 
11 although the facts as yet possess no practical value, that the 
stomach is often much enlarged and thinned in those who die 
of consumption, and that the liver is very apt to undergo re- 
markable changes ; it becomes enlarged, and there are two 
varieties of the enlargement. In one it becomes full of fatty 
matter, and this is called ' fatty liver.' It is more common in 



Pulmonary Consumption. 283 

women than in men. The other kind of enlargement is called 
* waxy liver,' or, because of its resemblance to bacon, ' lar- 
daceous liver.' Both these forms of hepatic derangement pro- 
ceed insidiously, with little or no pain or tenderness," etc. 

Viola : Why do these ' ' facts possess as yet no practical value ' ' ? 
Here surely is a case of morbid nutrition, and dates right from 
the stomach and liver, the digestive organs. These facts would 
seem eminently practical to one who accepts the views pre- 
sented by these authors and others of like eminence. Is it pos- 
sible that the fallacy of localizing " cause and effect " upon the 
lungs so interposes between theory and popular practice, that 
remedial attempts are circumscribed to the affected locality 
and not directed to all vulnerable parts? Is it wonder, then, 
consumption is not cured ? 

Doctor: And not prevented. Know this fact. " Tubercle 
is never deposited unless there has been and is disordered 
assimilation of food, 

Imperfectly-formed Blood 

as a consequence of that, and, besides these, sympathetic irri- 
tation radiating from the center of nutrition to the lungs. 
There never yet was tubercular deposit with a sound digestion!' 
( Dr. Gully. ) Surely these facts have a highly practical value for 
persons who are suspected to have the inherited taint or ac- 
quired tendency to consumption or bronchitis. Digestion being 
considered, all its conditions will be taken into account — quan- 
tity and quality of food supplied, times and manner of eating, 
kinds and amount of exercise, the bearing of dress, social 
habits, employment, mental states, and whatever affects the ex- 
pression of vital power. Whatever enfeebles this expression is 
surely not calculated to prevent that infirmity of the digestive 
organs which permits the deposit of tubercular matter. Blood- 
making is not advanced by begging the stomach to digest food, 
or spurring it with stimulants, medicinal tonics, or whatever 
may induce an artificial energy, which at best is only temporary 
and followed by increased exhaustion. Both the " primary " 
and "secondary" nutritive organs require attention, and when 
these are considered as two digestive processes, interrelated so 
that the imperfections of one affect the functional integrity of 



284 Woman and Health. 

the other, it is plain enough what to do. The stomach will be 
supplied with good food, and in quantity enough, no more, to 
be changed into good chyle ; the lungs would be incited to 
action through changes effected in the muscles by a suitable 
and proper amount of exercise, always knowing that both in 
the stomach and lungs there is a permanent irritation which is 
liable to be intensified by overtaxation, or overworking either 
of these organs. This irritation of these digestive centers would 
be diminished, and digestion or assimilation carried on in re- 
mote parts by means of applied power if necessary, thus in- 
suring better blood, better circulated and distributed through- 
out the organic domain, instead of having it remain congested 
in the lungs and digestive organs. 

Increase Breathing Capacity and Digestive Power, 

and consumptive tendencies will be inert. Incipient consump- 
tion is thus made curable, and the fatal event of advanced 
consumption may be postponed indefinitely. Even if there is 
tubercle in the lung, it is rendered harmless by keeping the 
tissues surrounding it uninflamed ; and no knowing how many 
years it may remain so under proper care of the general health. 
This tuberculous matter is sometimes absorbed, as, Dr. Wood 
says, "is shown by dissection." "And if the diathesis be so 
far subdued as to prevent the deposition of other tubercles, the dis- 
ease may be said to be cured." Even after the formation of a 
cavity, the reduction of congestion and return of functional 
power to the organs holds the case unaffected to any serious 
degree by the imperfect lung. 

Dr. Wood, in his " Practice of Medicine," mentions two 
cases which occurred to medical men of Philadelphia. One of 
the patients was affected, when a young man, with all the 
symptoms of phthisis, including frequent attacks of hemor- 
rhage, severe cough, hectic fever, etc., from which he completely 
recovered, and continued exempt up to the time of his death, 
which occurred many years afterward of typhoid fever. " The 
other was my preceptor and friend, the late Dr. Joseph Parrish, 
who in early life labored for a time under symptoms of 
phthisis, and after his death, at an advanced age, was found to 



Pulmonary Consumption. 285 

have several cicatrices of the upper part of one lung, which were 
obviously the remains of tuberculous cavities." " The prob- 
abilities are," he continues, "that each tubercle has a tendency 
towards health, and, if alone, would in time end in perfect re- 
covery ; so that the great fatality in phthisis consists in the 
continued predisposition which causes the constant or frequently 
repeated deposition of other tubercles." 

Julia: Does he not mean by "each tubercle having a 
tendency towards health," that the vital powers of the organ- 
ism are constantly endeavoring to overcome difficulties in the 
way of their control, and the tendency toward health is in the 
vitality resident in every normal tissue, not in an abnormal 
deposit? 

Viola: This " continued predisposition " to tubercular de- 
posit would be good rather than evil in its effects if every 
M tubercle had a tendency toward health." The more tubercles 
the more health. 

Doctor: Arresting the process by which these tubercles are 
formed is the rational, natural, and successful method of pre- 
vention, cure, and prolongation of life. Twenty-four years ago 
a case of apparent tubercular consumption was placed under 
my care. The young girl of eighteen was taken ill at board- 
ing-school a year or so previous, and continuing to decline 
under the medical care provided at this school, was taken home 
to afford experiment for numerous doctors in her own and 
other cities. At last her physicians advised the parents to 
travel, and make her as comfortable as possible ; the case could 
not be cured. By the advice of friends, who, as subsequent 
events proved, "builded even better than they knew," the 
" course of travel " was towards our Cure. She was so weak 
the journey was necessarily made at intervals, perhaps a day at 
a time, and rest between. I was young then, enthusiastic, and 
not rich in experience ; subsequently, such a folorn case would 
have been very cautiously received, if undertaken at all. As 
the innocence of the child is that of ignorance, and the inno- 
cence of the adult that of wisdom, so the confidence which then 
inspired my efforts was that of youth and lack of that wisdom 
which comes only through experience. To-day I would accept 
the medical care of just such a case with no less enthusiasm, 



286 Woman and Health. 

but the years have brought lessons drawn from observation, 
careful study, and abundant experience, elevating confidence 
to the region of 

Intelligent Faith. 

This faith, akin to wisdom, brought to bear upon diseased 
states, renders the hope of recovery eminently more certain. 
The natural methods employed, as preparatory of the way for 
vital influences to rule and reign over the organic kingdom, are 
known as God-established means, or paths, through which the 
"prodigal" may return "to his Father's house, where there is 
enough and to spare." Am I digressing? You may read the 
outline of this case as it is recorded. 

Viola: " Miss J. C , only child of wealthy parents, who 

have surrounded her with every means of becoming ruined in 
health — petted, pampered, coddled. With no reference to the 
needs of the system, the appetite from babyhood has been 
tempted and sated with delicacies, sweets, and rich concen- 
trated foods at any and all times when at home ; at school, the 
regular express package, containing fruit-cake and goodies, sup- 
plied what was withheld at the table, and when the bewildered 
digestive organs gave way, they were tortured with iron and the 
whole line of tonics, until cough and consumption followed. 
Corsets, early adopted as an essential part of the dress, are 
snugly drawn to support (?) the weakened muscular structures 
of the trunk ; patient rebels at suggestion of their removal. 
There is cough, expectoration of streaked bloody matter, chill, 
hectic fever, sweats. Skin pale, lips burning red, voice feeble 
and husky, pulse ioo plus, emaciation, weakness even to in- 
ability to walk more than a little about her room or the parlors. 

What is to be done? First, I will have the clothing so 
arranged there shall be freedom of motion in every muscle, and 
an evenly distributed circulation. Then, just enough good 
food, and abundant rest for the digestive organs. The skin 
brought into activity. Pure atmospheric food for the lungs. 
A call for food, not from the irritated stomach, but from every 
tissue of the body, will be made in response to passive exer- 
cises which must be administered. Soon as she is able, I will 
have her walk ; at first a short distance, and increase with added 



Pulmonary Consumption. 287 

strength. I believe the case can be cured, for have we not cor- 
rect principles to guide us? Understanding these, why fail? 

Julia: I think there are a good many reasons for failure of 
even correct methods ; there are conditions in cases sometimes 
entirely beyond your reach. But you had not learned that, had 
you? 

Doctor: It seems that case was not to teach me the lesson, 
for from the first few days a constant improvement was seen in 
all the symptoms. A gymnastic suit was worn in place of the 
usual dress ; food restricted to grain and fruit ; life in the open 
air ; rambling over hills as soon as strength would permit ; 
daily treatment, which "told" on symptoms; all combined 
with cheerful, hopeful companionship, brought the case in 
twelve weeks where she could walk half a mile before break- 
fast ; and at the end of another twelve weeks returned to her 
home ; ailments, gone to stay. She married, moved west, bore 
several children, lived an active, useful life up to the time of 
her death, which occurred about four years since, of some acute 
disease. She gave no inheritance of consumption to her chil- 
dren, and was not herself consumptive afterwards. 

Viola: Allow me to read another case of seventeen years 

ago. M. H came to my office — indeed, was brought, for she 

could not walk any distance. Case so hopeless I could only 
defer positive acceptance, promising to call at her home, which 
I did same day. An eminent physician, who accompanied me 
and aided in examination of the case, pronounced it useless to 
try, and in this opinion I fully concurred. The mother was im- 
portunate ; begged me to take the case, and finally so wrought 
upon my sympathies, I promised to make the effort to make 
the patient more comfortable, which I knew it was in my power 
to accomplish. My medical friend presented to me the cer- 
tainty of my being accredited the honor of killing the case 
when she died, and I meekly bore my prospective dignity. 
However, he visited the case with me for several succeeding 
days, curious, perhaps, to see how far comfortable a dying case 
can be made, and yet fall short of recovery. 

Julia: Oh, I thought you did not agree with those who 
look upon mere palliation, " smoothing the pathway to the 
grave," as admissible, but always to treat a case as possessing 
the possibilities of recovery, at least. 



288 Woman and Health. 

Doctor: That is true. The difference is in what you do to 
palliate. If you employ death-dealing instruments results 
must be accordingly ; but if your measures, which look to 
present relief, also favor every possible chance for ultimate re- 
covery, do you not see how entirely applicable they are? In 
this case, which was one apparently advanced in the last stages 
of consumption, even to swelling of limbs and feet, diarrhoea, 
etc., palliation laid sure foundation for cure. In about two 
months the patient was able to take a trip on the boat, as the 
weather was midsummer, and in a few weeks more was dis- 
missed from direct medical care. She is married, lives in St. 
Louis, and calls on me occasionally to reiterate her thanks for 
what was done. She has had continued exemption from this 
disease. 

This incident occurred while she was under treatment. 
After she was able to walk about town, she met on the street a 
physician of a neighboring town, who attended her among the 
last employed previous to calling on me. Delighted to see the 
old doctor who had dismissed her as incurable, and to show 
him the improvement made since then, she accosted him. He 
stared at her, as much as to say, "Why do you?" and perceiv- 
ing herself unrecognized, she said, " I am M. H." " Oh, no," 
he replied, " M. H. is dead. I knew she could not live three 
weeks when I last saw her." "But I am the identical M. H., 
and am getting well," said she. "Good heavens!" he ex- 
claimed, excitedly ; " is it you? Why, what has wrought such 
a change? Take me right to your physician's office; I must see 
that doctor," etc. "That doctor" was only a very humble 
agent, wielding a power freely bestowed upon each and all who 
will sit at the feet of Nature and learn of her. And what does 
Nature say of those whose tendencies are consumptive, and of 
those already confirmed? I think we have already learned that 

Good Health is the Best Prophylactic 

in this as in other disorders. Whatever accomplishes its attain- 
ment and permanence of well-balanced physical and mental 
force subverts the approach of this dreaded destroyer. " Colds " 
must not be neglected; sore throat, catarrh of the head, throat, 



Pulmonary Consumption. 289 

or any portion of the internal mucous surface must not remain. 
These conditions can be easily removed, and should be, in their 
early accession. Bring up the digestive power, by giving it 
something to work for. Daily exercise, work, actual work, the 
performance of which calls out power in muscle as well as brain, 
will fortify the system. 

Purity is a factor essential to health — pure food, pure water, 
pure air, pure thoughts ; the whole atmosphere of the life should 
be in accord with universal purity. 

Consumption once established may be dealt with much as 
bronchitis, the same general indications for restoration of nu- 
tritive power existing. Courage, faith, hope, trust, etc., are ele- 
ments of cure. Treatment must be adjusted to the varying de- 
grees of strength. If able to ride or walk, do not give up this 
agreeable exercise, rain or shine, cold or hot. A daily air-bath 
and sun-bath, administered at the time of the dry rubbing, 
should be given, and the soap and towel bath as frequently as 
is consistent with comfort and strength. Perhaps daily, in 
some cases, is not too much, but the average patient will do 
better less often. Wherever there is pain — in side or chest — 
apply the hot fomenter, dry, over the affected part, for from 
twenty minutes to one hour. Drinking of hot water is strongly 
remedial, in any amount the patient feels capable of receiving. 
An enema of warm water, to cleanse the bowels well, following 
the fomentation, as the case may need, may be taken. While 
mechanical massage gives " alluring " promise of help in these 
conditions, when it cannot be made available, such movements 
as tend to develop chest and abdominal muscles may be ap- 
plied with great good results. Passive movements are the only 
ones adapted to the very feeble. Have an attendant press 
firmly the arms for five minutes, rest as long, and then give 
each leg the same deep, firm pressure. Hold the feet, one in 
each hand, a few moments. Gently, but firmly, press down the 
sides of the spine, and give the thighs a squeezing pressure for 
several moments at a time. Lightly stroke the spine from the 
back of the head to the end of the spine with the fingertips, like 
a brush. Repeat this a half-dozen times, or even more. On 
the back inflate the lungs, exhale slowly ; repeat this about 
19 



290 Woman and Health. 

twice. Do not at any time allow the stomach and chest to be 
encroached upon by improper stooping positions. If you sit, 
sit upright, shoulders thrown back. Get all the chest room 
possible, and never let the stomach become so distended with 
food as to limit chest space. Aside from other considerations, 
the mechanical disability forbids this. 

Have you courage to say no to appetite? 



Rheumatism. 291 



CHAPTER XXV. 

RHEUMATISM. 

Doctor: Rheumatism is understood to be a " blood disease," 
as Dr. Watson calls it. He says : " The circulating blood car- 
ries with it a poisonous material, which by virtue of some 
mutual or elective affinity falls upon the fibrous tissues in par- 
ticular, visiting and quitting them with a variableness which 
resembles caprice, but is ruled, no doubt, by definite laws." 
This is easily understood when we know what this poisonous 
material is in general character, and why these fibrous sheaths 
and coverings of the muscles are most affected. Let us see. 
If digestion and assimilation are disordered, what is the effect 
upon the blood? 

Viola: It is imperfectly elaborated, consequently defective 
in quality, and unduly loaded with unused nutritive material, 
which becomes poisonous and hurtful to the tissues wherever 
distributed. There is a sympathy existing between the stomach 
and liver, the great center of nutrition, and the muscles. Irri- 
tation, congestion of the center, robs the muscles of due nutri- 
tive supply, and they become weak; slight proximate or excit- 
ing causes, such as chilling of the skin by cold or damp, drives 
the blood to these weakened muscles, and they retain it be- 
cause too feeble to urge it forward; inflammation and most ex- 
cruciating pains result. 

Julia: But we often see persons who use their muscles in 
hard labor, and who are exposed enough to toughen them 
to all kinds of weather, quite subject to this disease, as well as 
those who are delicately cared for. 

Doctor: Both supply the conditions favoring rheumatism. 
In the one case, the organs of voluntary motion — the muscles, 
rather, of those organs — are violently employed, while at the 
nutritive center there is a constant irritation kept up by the 
use of poor food, salted meats, fats, white-flour bread, biscuits, 



292 Woman and Health. 

greasy and raised with chemicals, stimulants, tea, coffee, beer, 
whisky, etc. A bilious attack, and medicine to force the liver 
to pour out bile, followed by stimulants to give tone to the 
system, 

Perpetuates the Irritation. 

In the more tenderly " housed and fed " the style of diet 
and almost entire disuse of the voluntary muscles tend to the 
same results. Both are badly nourished, and this great fact in 
rheumatism, the lessening of muscular power from lack of nu- 
tritive supply, and the excess of nerve nutrition, showing itself 
in the form of pain, bears upon all cases of rheumatic derange- 
ment. Rheumatism is not possible unsupported by digestive 
imperfection. 

Julia: Some one has called it " dyspepsia of the muscles." 
It is true that inflammation of the fibrous sheaths of muscles 
is only an expression of digestive irritation, and all forms of 
treatment seem to indicate this view, for the biliary organs are 
attacked with weapons which make them yield copiously of 
their secretions ; calomel is the most prompt and effective, the 
stomach is made to disgorge itself, and the intestinal tract to 
writhe under the action of some particular remedy (?). All 
this tends to relieve an acute attack, and I would like to know 
how. It is surely not curative. 

Doctor: Please open my case-book at " Rheumatism," and 
while reading the history of some of the cases there recorded 
perhaps you will find the question answered. It will be useful, 
also, to trace the progress in this connection of acute with 
chronic rheumatism. 

Viola: I have already studied these stories of your patients, 
and from them am able to gather this information: That arous- 
ing the digestive organs to a sort of irritation, which is only 
another phase of the same remedial effort of the system which 
was instituted in the first place to relieve the organism of 
poisonous material, does take away rheumatic pain, though at 
great loss, for drug irritation is now set up, and the rheumatism 
not having been cured, but simply hidden by the drug compli- 
cation, the ground that is lost is sought to be regained by con- 
tinuing the same process, and further exhaustion results ; the 



Rheumatism. 293 

causes are perpetuated and increased. The organic energy 
of local parts being weakened, they are distended, and another 
11 acute attack " comes on, perhaps induced by the most trivial 
exciting cause. A mere change in the weather, slight ex- 
posure, a little over-indulgence in eating, etc.; and so on, until, 
as the system becomes less and less able to make violent re- 
sistance as at first, it sinks into 

A Continued Enfeebled Effort ; 

and constant, though less severe, pain establishes the fact of 
chronic rheumatism with its family of distressing ailments and 
disabilities. This is about the line of travel in these cases. It 
is not called rheumatism when a bilious attack or indigestion 
appears and is cured, then another, and soon rheumatism and 
its cure, and repetition of indigestion, biliousness, rheumatism, 
until the ugly condition comes to stay, and will not be ousted 
by the most formidable array of drug poisons. 

Doctor: In chronic rheumatism, and somewhat in acute rheu- 
matism, the spinal cord takes a part, as is evidenced in acute 
attacks by the twitchings, wholly involuntary, of the affected 
muscle or limb, giving rise to excruciating pain. It seems 
plain that the inflammation of the fibrous tissues of a joint or 
muscle irritates the spinal nerves which run through this in- 
flamed tissue, and they convey to the portion of the cord where 
they arise so much irritation as to cause irregular function, as 
the will is for the moment lost, and involuntary twitches allowed 
to occur. What would be the inevitable tendency of the frequent 
occurrence of these involuntary twitchings in repeated attacks of acute 
rheumatism? 

Julia: The function of the spinal cord would become dis- 
ordered, and as the causes of these attacks are not removed, the 
irritation becomes more and more firmly fixed, and after a 
while the limbs almost fail to respond to the commands of the 
will. At the same time, the disturbance of the digestive vis- 
cera, which originates the malady, radiates not only towards 
the spinal cord, but the brain, implicating the nervous system 
still further. 



294 Woman and Health. 

Doctor: You have omitted one factor, and that is the sym- 
pathy which exists between parts of like organization. Now, the 
sheath of both the spinal cord and of the nerves which proceed 
from it is of the same texture as the sheath of the inflamed 
parts, is of fibrous tissue, and the irritation of the one is re- 
flected upon the other, and any degree of irritation that is mor- 
bid which exists in the fibrous sheath tends to interfere with 
the highly organized, delicate spinal cord which it incloses. 

Worrying and Teasing 

these organic nerves by medicines or improper alimentary sub- 
stances greatly disturb the office of the brain and spinal cord. 
Nervous rheumatism or neuralgic rheumatism depends upon 
its source in irritation of the brain and spinal nerves, together 
with fibrous inflammation of the muscular sheaths. In chronic 
rheumatism this nervous complication is exhibited at the onset 
by some degree of slowness in making muscular movements, 
the control of the will having been partially lost; then the 
joints become somewhat rigid, and perhaps paralysis follows. 
And, as you have seen, the visceral disorder leads to irritation 
of the fibrous textures of the voluntary muscles, and from both 
the viscera and the muscles influences are brought to bear upon 
the spinal cord and brain, complicating the difficulty as it pro- 
ceeds. Rheumatism of the heart is a complication which takes 
place under the administration of drug treatment, the use of 
mercury and colchicum particularly. The joints are freed, and 
the heart being the largest internal muscle, including fibrous 
tissue like that of the other muscles and joints, the whole mis- 
chief of the excessive irritation produced by drug poisons is re- 
concentrated at this organ. Dr. (jully says that while he was 
still practicing the ordinary drug treatment, and before he knew 
anything of better methods, this was his opinion of metastasis, 
or transfer of rheumatism to the heart. In a work written by 
him at this time is found this passage: "An instance of the 
transfer to the heart was shown to me a few months back by a 
brother practitioner. There certainly was pain, palpitation, 
etc., of the heart, but as the patient had been and was then 
taking large doses of mercury and colchicum, I ventured to 



Rheumatism. 295 

suggest the cessation of these and the application of mustard 
fomentations over the pit of the stomach, whereby the heart 
was soon freed from pain, though it continued to be very irri- 
table. The medicines, in fact, had produced sympathetic 
irritation of the heart, and I believe this to be the only transfer 
that occurs. It may, however, predispose the heart to the 
actual metastasis, and in such case presents another practical 
argument against violent medication of the viscera in rheuma- 
tism." 

Dropsy of the chest and abdomen, following acute rheumatism, 
is dependent on the same cause ; and none of these dangerous 
complications ever arise under treatment that has regard to the 
causes of this disease. Nature always " seeks to save." In 
this case she throws a part of the effort, which has its rise in 
the internal viscera, to the more remote parts, which are not so 
essential to life. 

Why, then, apply to these internal parts still further causes 
of irritation, thus centering remedial effort upon the more deli- 
cate organs? This is the very course pursued in acute rheu- 
matism, and is the prolific parent of abundant cases which are 
"going to and fro" throughout the land, seeking cure and 
finding none. And^yet there is no form of disease more certain 
to be cured by proper treatment than rheumatism in its acute 
form, and in most cases chronic rheumatism is equally certain 
of cure and always of comparative alleviation, and arrest of fix- 
ation of joints and loss of locomotive power. What are the 
symptoms of acute rheumatism? 

Viola: The most prominent symptom of rheumatism is 
pain. It is severe. It occupies many parts at once, and con- 
tinues in spite of efforts made for its abatement. Being an in- 
flammation of a particular tissue, the fibrous tissue, it may be 
expressed wherever that tissue is employed in the body. In 
acute rheumatism there is pain, heat, redness, swelling ; inflam- 
mation of one or more of the larger joints, which is disposed to 
shift to some other part, and then suddenly return to its first 
quarters. In many instances it does not wholly leave the joint, 
but invades others quite as painfully. The ankles and knees 
are most often affected, but perhaps the wrists, knuckles, 
elbows are quite as liable. Finger joints and even the jaws are 



296 Woman and Health. 

affected, and the shoulders and hips. Inflammatory fever at- 
tends this disease ; pulse is bounding, cheeks flushed, head 
aches, there is a sour-smelling, profuse perspiration, which at- 
tends the fever, but is no relief to the patient. Tongue coated, 
bowels constipated, kidneys secreting a thickish urine. De- 
lirium does not attend this fever, and the characteristic symp- 
toms of typhoid are absent. The inflamed parts are extremely 
sensitive, even spoken words seem to annoy the patient in some 
instances, and there is inability to move from fear of pain, not 
actual loss of power to do so. The fact that 

Constitutional Symptoms 

always precede local pain points to the causes and cure, as at- 
tention given to local pain can at best only palliate, and is not 
liable to succeed even in accomplishing so mild an intention. 
Treatment. — The proper plan of treatment will regard the 
visceral irritation as claiming first consideration, and the con- 
dition of the muscles and joints as quite secondary. Begin 
with hot foot-bath of ten minutes, if patient is able to be so 
placed that it can be given. During this time ply the stomach 
with copious drinking of hot water; lemon juice maybe added, 
but no sugar. This to be taken by the pint, not a few sips. 
Add hot water to the bath, that when the feet are removed 
it is hot as can be borne ; rub feet dry, and put patient in bed 
with bottle of hot water to the feet. Apply a hot flannel, dry, 
over the liver, and over this the fomenter. If a fomenter is 
not at hand, flannels wrung from very hot water will answer, 
changing them as soon as they begin to cool. Always cover 
well with dry flannel. Wherever pain is severe apply flannels 
wrung from hot water, or, if cool applications are more agree- 
able, these maybe used, but the preference is liable to be given 
to hot applications. After fomenting the liver one hour, 
during which time hot water has been freely taken, clear the 
bowels with full enema of hot water, or comfortably hot. 
Work the fluid well up in the colon, rub and knead, and have 
not less than two to four quarts received. Administer the 
second, if necessary. Continue to apply soothing, cool or hot, 
cloths, as the patient prefers, to joints or painful parts. Keep 



Rheumatism. 297 

absolutely quiet, warm, but do not force a perspiration. Apply 
the abdominal bandage, wrung from hot water and well cov- 
ered with dry flannel, and over this let the fomenter be placed, 
about the liver region. Lemons may be eaten freely, or the 
juice taken with the copious hot-water drinks. Whenever pain 
begins to subside, cover the patient warmly and enforce rest; 
disturbances of whatever kind must be avoided. Where pain 
and fever are pretty continuous and persevering, they may be 
met on their own plan of procedure, continue and persevere in 
treatment. Injections maybe repeated every three hours, pre- 
ceded by fomentation to the liver of an hour each time. If the 
condition of the patient admits, the spine may be sponged oc- 
casionally in hot water. Sometimes there is such tenderness 
of the joints you cannot reach the spine, as in some cases pain 
is greatly aggravated on slight effort to lie on the side or face. 
A hot soap and towel bath ( see " Hygienic Appliances " ) may be 
given each night, and if there is much sour, fetid perspiration, 
every morning after the first fomentation and injection, about 
nine o'clock. 

In this, as in every case, somewhat depends upon peculiar 
conditions and circumstances. The main idea, to aid Nature 
in her efforts to eliminate hurtful matters from the system, and 
to " carry on the war to extermination " of causes, favoring the 
diffusion rather than concentration of effort, may be wrought 
out by less or more treatment as the case may be. As pain 
ceases and there is inclination to rest, this must be encouraged. 

Absolute Rest of the Digestive Organs 

is imperative. So long as symptoms are lively take no food, 
no matter if they hold out for days. They will finally yield 
very gracefully and completely. On beginning to take food, 
it must be very simple. Baked apples, or any kind of fruit, 
raw or cooked, with a little whole-meal cracker, well masti- 
cated, or gruel, thin and nicely done, corn-meal, whole-wheat 
meal, or even rice-gruel may be used. Vegetable tea, if liked, 
may be taken sparingly at first. With proper management 
during the convalescent stage of a case treated thus, there need 
be no fear of complications or injurious sequelae following acute 



298 Wo7?ia?i and Health. 

inflammatory rheumatism. I have never known a case to ter- 
minate other than most favorably under our treatment ; and 
have taken cases pronounced hopeless under the ordinary prac- 
tice and cured them, so that fifteen or more years since, I hear 
the patient never has had a return of the formerly constant 
barrier to enjoyment and usefulness. Please read from case- 
book an instance of this kind. 

Viola: Called to see E. B., a little girl of about twelve 
years, about ten miles in the country, and I reached there by 
moonlight, a June night. On approaching the house, the pa- 
tient's moans were distinctly heard with each breath. Reach- 
ing her room, which was a large downstairs front room, I found 
her bed drawn before an open window, the pain about the heart 
so severe that a great farm laborer was detailed to stand over 
her, pressing her heart, as she thought this somewhat mitigated 
her pain. He told me he would rather work in the harvest- 
field, so constant had been the demands made upon his 
strength for several days. Her father and two big brothers 
also in attendance, besides efficient sisters as nurses. The case, 
which had begun in acute rheumatism, was treated according 
to the best advice of the popular schools, several physicians in 
attendance, and at last pronounced hopeless of cure. It was 
not thought many hours would elapse before the fatal termi- 
nation arrived, and at this desperate juncture one of the 
brothers applied to me. What did I do? Called for hot water, 
a washing-tub, and blankets. Had the bed carefully moved 
away from the open window, a little fire made on the hearth, 
and was ready. The middle of the blankets was dipped in hot 
water, twisted closely by strong hands at the dry ends, and 
placed over the patient as she lay with knees drawn toward the 
chin, unable to move or be moved. Hot flannels were also 
placed on the chest and stomach. All covered with dry 
blankets and light covers. Jugs of hot water placed under the 
knees. This was all that could be done in the case; for several 
hours this treatment persevered in. Some degree of comfort 
was soon felt, and even sleep came before morning. Conditions 
were so much changed for the better an enema could be ad- 
ministered, patient could swallow, and even be turned over in 
bed. I left at nine o'clock next morning, after seeing her com- 



Rheumatism. 299 

fortably situated, and never made another visit to the case. 
Word was brought me daily for a time, and I gave directions 
how to pursue treatment. She tells me this is the last of 
rheumatism for her ; and during her childhood there was 
always a looking forward for one of her severe " spells " of 
rheumatism, which was hers by inheritance as well as acqui- 
sition. There is no need for acute rheumatism to progress into 
chronic ; remove the causes of the first, and maintain your post, 
and lo ! what is there to support the latter? 

Chronic Rheumatism. 

Julia: How can that be dealt with successfully? Here 
you have a most tedious array of time-weary ailments and dis- 
abilities. A malady which has been converted from an acute 
into a chronic form by ignoring the cause and adding to it, 
while attention is directed to local parts. The digestive organs 
are made the sport of the most absurd medication and die- 
tetics. Calomel, opium, colchicum, conium, alkalies, guaiacum, 
iodide of potassium, etc., " and the patient continues to suf- 
fer," says Dr. Watson, " notwithstanding the diligent enforce- 
ment of all the approved remedies and plans of treatment, 
one after another." Becoming chronic, the treatment consists 
of continuous repetitions of mercury, iron, opiates, iodine, etc., 
while the affected joints are liable to be blistered, leeched, and 
treated to all sorts of irritating liniments and plasters. Then, 
as a hope of prevention comes, generous diet, strong doses of 
coffee, beer, wine, porter, rich meats, soups, jellies, etc. When 
the whole system is thus deteriorated and disordered, and the 
case is a miserable, broken-down, suffering one, what can 
hygienic treatment do? 

Doctor: Just what should have been done at first, and which 
was then much more quickly possible, of course. Relieve the 
viscera, perfect nutritive acts, and withhold excess of nutritive 
material. 

Bring About Capacity 

to digest abwidance of simple food, not excess. Abundance may 
mean not so large quantity, but enough. 



300 Woman a?id Health. 

This is a case for the powers of mechanical massage con- 
spicuously to exhibit themselves. An example just occurs to 
mind of one recently treated by Dr. Glass. A man, about forty 
years of age, had acute rheumatism several years ago, medi- 
cated, attacks became frequent, and finally assumed permanent 
chronic form. He was prevented from attending to business 
much of the time, suffered constantly, and resorted to all sorts 
of devices, medicines, and medicinal springs. Entirely dis- 
couraged, and expecting, since such a variety of treatment had 
failed, there was nothing before him but suffering and helpless- 
ness, he was led to consult the doctor, who at once said to him : 
" I will remove the causes of all your trouble, to that point my 
efforts will be directed, and when that is done you will bid 
good-bye to your crutches and your infirmities. Trust me to 
do this for you without reference to your local pains. Tender 
parts will be tenderly dealt with, but not held responsible for 
even their own conditions. Obey to the letter my directions as 
to your diet and home care. You will recover." 

Not half believing this, but desperately clinging to the 
words of encouragement, the patient placed himself under 
treatment. In four weeks was well; used neither crutch nor 
cane, gained in flesh, and was able to attend to an extensive 
hardware business, as he had not done for years. Mechanical 
massage, together with judicious restrictions as to diet, and 
some applications of water internally and externally, brought 
about these happy results. The mind was led out of its morass 
of diseased imaginings, and hope and faith increased. Under 
home treatment, the patient suffering from chronic rheumatism 
may do much better than to continue to do badly. Give up drugs 
entirely, also your rich food and stimulants. Study the perfect 
way in diet, but do not bend mental or physical energy in the 
direction of "What shall I eat?" Very little thought need be 
given by you to this. It is already thought out for you, and 
without trouble on your part ; common-sense will dictate what 
is agreeable to nature. Deny appetite ; there is 



Rheumatism. 301 

No Real Pleasure in any Bodily Appetite. 

Say so, think so, act accordingly. Use grains and fruits mostly. 
If you do use meat, and I do not recommend it, use beef or 
mutton only once a day. The whole-wheat-meal bread, and 
unleavened, is best. Have not more than two articles at one 
meal. Drink regularly of hot water. Have stated hours, an 
hour before breakfast and dinner, and at supper-time let hot 
water drinking take the place of food. Milk and eggs should 
not be used at all in some cases, and in any case very sparingly. 
So of butter. Of course, pork and all products of the hog are 
harmful. Well masticate and insalivate the food, even if it be 
soft food, as mushes of wheaten grits, corn-meal, etc. The 
indispensable vegetable acids which aid in oxidation and elim- 
ination of urea and lime, said to be found in excess in the ex- 
cretions of rheumatic patients, are abundant in ripe fruits, as 
apples, pears, peaches, plums, grapes, gooseberries, cherries, 
strawberries, oranges, lemons, etc., and in melons and tomatoes. 
Malic and tartaric acids are found in fruits, and these unite 
with the lime salts in the system and carry them out. By regu- 
lating the diet a most powerful influence is gained over this 
disease, and the possibilities of cure are increased. The treat- 
ment should be similar to that followed in acute cases, though, 
of course, less vigorous for apparent reasons. Following care- 
ful dietary, eating slowly, and only enough to supply bodily 
waste, there is no material retained in the system that is hurt- 
ful, waste matter, and hence no vital power expended inju- 
riously, but in building up and adding to the strength of the 
organism. 

There is one remarkably efficient measure which is within 
the reach of all who may be afflicted with rheumatism, either 
acute or chronic, and is equally applicable to both forms, and 
that is 

Fasting. 

Casey A. Wood, M. D., Professor of Chemistry in the 
Medical Department of Bishop's College, Montreal, in an 
article entitled " Starvation in the Treatment of Acute Articu- 
lar Rheumatism" (Canada Medical Record), gives the history 



302 Woman and Health. 

of seven cases where the patients were speedily restored to 
health by simply abstaining from food from four to eight 
days, and he says he could have given the history of forty more 
from his own practice, but thought these would suffice. In no 
instance did he find it necessary to extend the fast beyond ten 
days. His patients were allowed to drink freely of cold water, 
or lemonade in moderate quantities if they preferred, and 
simple sponging with tepid water was resorted to as indicated 
by feverishness of the surface. In no case did this treat- 
ment fail. No medicines were administered. The cases re- 
ported "included men and women of different ages, tem- 
peraments, occupations, and social positions." He further 
says : " From the quick and almost invariably good results to 
be obtained by simple abstinence from food, I am inclined to 
the idea that rheumatism is, after all, only a phase of indiges- 
tion, and that, by giving complete and continued rest to all the 
viscera that take any part in the process of digestion, the dis- 
ease is attacked in ipsa radice!* In chronic rheumatism he ob- 
tained less positive results, but did not venture to try fasts of 
longer duration. Dr. Wood concludes by saying that "this 
treatment, obviating as it does, almost entirely, the danger of 
cardiac complications, will be found to realize all that has been 
claimed for it — a simple, reliable remedy for a disease that has 
long baffled the physician's skill; and the frequency with which 
rheumatism occurs will give every one a chance of trying its 
efficacy." 

My experience in treating chronic rheumatic patients would 
lead to the belief that, while such rapid and positive changes 
are not to be expected in these as in acute cases, a repetition of 
fasts will bring about results equally as satisfactory. 

The skin must be induced to become active. A dry rubbing 
every morning for five to ten minutes, having the attendant 
use a dry flannel towel and do the work briskly, by gentle pat- 
ting of the whole surface, may be useful in every case. 

Sun-baths are indispensable. Remain an hour or two daily 
in the sun, protecting the face and head from its rays, and wear- 
ing just enough clothing to keep comfortably warm. Breathe 
deeply while doing this. 



Rheumatism. 303 

A fomentation to the liver about four times a week, of one 
hour each time, followed by sponging the fomented surface in 
cool water, and^ rubbing well dry. Full enema of hot water, 
clearing well the bowels, may be taken after fomenting, twice 
weekly. At other times, if there is unusual biliousness, the 
enema may follow every fomentation. Wear the wet abdom- 
inal bandage, if it can be done without a continued feeling of 
chilliness, about every night, though it may be omitted occa- 
sionally. Daily, at a stated hour, have an attendant give gentle 
pressing, squeezing movements to each arm, from shoulder to 
wrist, about three minutes. Rest five minutes. Now to each 
leg, beginning at the knee, three minutes each, and rest. From 
thighs to knee, three minutes each, and rest. Patient lying on 
a bed or couch, let the attendant place one hand over the right 
side at the lower ribs, the other over the left, and firmly press 
the hands towards each other. Gently relax the pressure, and 
repeat this after the patient has inhaled deeply and slowly ex- 
haled. Kneading movements of the abdomen may be given 
as the case improves. (See "Massage.") Finally, and "first 
and last," know that these measures you take are only an effort 
to harmonize your physical life with the ever-present All-Life, 
to place yourself and your body in such relations to that Life as 
shall secure its abundant expression in your individual soul and 
body. Become enthused with the work, count no cost of time, 
money, or effort too great to attain this regeneration of body 
and soul. Arise to spiritual life and obedience ; and health 
abundant, running over, will surely follow. 



304 Woman and Health, 



CHAPTER XXV. 

KIDNEY DISORDERS. 

Doctor: Perhaps the spleen and pancreas will feel them- 
selves slighted by not having their diseases noticed, but our 
purpose towards these organs is practically served when we 
faithfully bring all the others into harmony, and so we will now 
take up kidney disorders. What is the office of the kidneys? 

Viola: Excretory: " through them, and with the urine, are 
drained away many of the impurities, habitual or accidental, of 
the circulating blood, and any excess of its aqueous ingredient. 
The composition of urine is complex and perpetually shifting. 
Everybody knows by his own observation that, with the most 
perfect health, the urine may vary considerably in its sensible 
qualities — in quantity, for example, in color, in its specific grav- 
ity. If much water be drank, or other liquid, more urine is se- 
creted. If much water pass off by the skin or through the 
bowels, less passes by the kidneys ; and contrariwise. Its 
natural color resembles that of wheat-straw, of amber, or of 
pale sherry." 

Doctor: You are now ready to understand why these ex- 
cretory organs are so 

Liable to Ieritation 

and disease, not self-imposed, but occasioned by faulty per- 
formance of other functional acts. If the liver fails to secrete 
bile elements, if the blood contains excessive and' unperfected 
nutrient materials, or other substances foreign to its welfare, 
the kidneys are found doing vicarious work, and are thus 
brought into trouble. Mental states, also, have great control 
over the functional performances of these organs. Inflam- 
mation of the kidneys, and nephralgia, or pain of the kidney, " a 
fit of the gravel," is attended with pain of a dull character, 
though sometimes very severe, usually located in the loins, on 




Kidney Disorders. 305 

one side, and follows the track of the ureter of that side. The 
thigh is numb; frequent desire to make water, and urine is 
high-colored; nausea and vomiting are present. The exciting 
causes are as various as the predisposing causes, and they are 
found, if traced, in every habit and influence which bears upon 
the life. The pains of this affection are apt to be mistaken for 
either colic or rheumatic pains; but rheumatism of this region 
of the body usually affects both sides, and is aggravated by 
motions which call the muscles into play, stooping, for instance. 
There is no trouble of urinary functions, and no nausea or 
vomiting. Colic more closely resembles nephritis ; there is 
nausea and vomiting, and it may occupy such localities of the 
abdomen as correspond to the place of the ureters, but no 
change occurs in the urinary functions, and this is a main point 
of distinction. But practically, a mistake in diagnosis here is 
of no importance, for the treatment looks to subduing the 
inflammation, relieving pain, and removing causes. In these 
cases, as in calculi of the liver ducts, the pain suddenly stops 
when the ureter is freed by the passage of calculi into the blad- 
der. There now follow symptoms of 

Stone in the Bladder ; 

pain after passing urine, frequent desire to urinate, the stream 
frequently stopping while the urine is voided. It takes from a 
few hours to several days for the painful journey of a calculus 
to be accomplished. 

Julia: Do these symptoms show conclusively that calculi 
are present? 

Doctor: By no means. The functional office of the kidneys 
proves this, if we had no other. The blood overcharged with 
material which should have been eliminated by other organs, 
or should probably never have been introduced, passing to the 
kidneys, provokes them to secrete these matters, and it is their 
presence in the kidneys which induces remedial action ; pain, 
frequent inclination to urinate, a high-colored, turbid urine, etc. 
Luxurious livers and the intemperate in every way are liable to 
be thus affected. 

20 



306 Woman and Health. 

Suppression of urine and retention are sometimes confounded 
with each other; please define each. 

Viola: In suppression, no urine is secreted; in retention it is 
secreted, but does not pass off. What is the result if no urine 
is secreted from the blood? 

Doctor; Coma and death. You know that 

Urea is an Excrement 

removed by the kidneys constantly, as the blood passes through 
them, and as fast as it enters the blood. If it is not, it circu- 
lates with the blood to every part of the body, poisoning every 
tissue, especially affecting the brain and nervous structures, 
but not missing its harmful effects on all. 

Julia: How marvelous that the blood, " in which is the 
life," can become a vehicle of death if it is not purified from 
deleterious matters which are the unceasing products of organic 
processes — the sewage of the body. If the lungs do not ex- 
tricate carbonic acid, all the animal functions speedily cease, 
like the blowing out of a candle. If they eliminate imperfectly, 
the physical life falls just so far " below grade." In our study 
of the liver, we saw that when the blood is not purged from the 
excrementitious bile, the powers of the organ are debilitated 
and finally destroyed. 

Doctor: This malady, which is really nothing more than a 
symptom, is not for some time necessarily fatal, and prompt 
remedial measures are liable to overcome it. I feel sure, from 
cases observed, that vicarious discharge of urea takes place, 
for the skin gave off a urinous odor, the patient tasted it, the 
olfactory nerves perceived it, and bowel discharges were plainly 
affected by its presence, while in another case the sensible 
qualities of urine were discoverable in the vomited matter. 
These patients recovered. There was engorgement of the kid- 
neys, the liver, and stomach most probably in these cases, and 
in others. Rather a formidable condition, but not incapable 
of control. 

Diabetes 

is an opposite, so far as kidney secretion is concerned, and 
quite as bad, though perhaps less rapidly fatal. What does the 
word diabetes mean? 



Kidney Disorders. 307 

Jidia: To pass through. Urine in too great quantities con- 
stantly running off would constitute this disorder, but does ex- 
cessive flow of urine always insure it? 

Doctor: Oh, no. Nervous people pass great quantities 
sometimes. A little unusual excitement will prompt the secre- 
tion, greatly to the annoyance of the patient. Every one uri- 
nates more freely in cold weather than in warm, because the 
skin transmits less fluid in perspiration. Articles of food and 
kinds of beverage influence this secretion. The quantity of 
urine passed is a most prominent feature of diabetes, but its 
definite symptom is the quality of that fluid, its becoming 
loaded with sugar. Watson says : " In true diabetes the urine 
is never without sugar." " Diabetic urine is commonly light- 
colored, and transparent, of a pale straw or greenish tint. Its 
odor is like that of hay or a faint smell of apples." 

Viola: This is a chronic disorder, coming on insidiously, 
attended with dryness of the skin. People who are thus af- 
flicted do not perspire, bowels costive, tongue dry and parched, 
thirst intense, and appetite often enormous, while there is great 
loss of strength. What can be the origin of this queer com- 
plaint? Where is the sugar found in the urine formed? 

Doctor: The field is open for inquiry yet. But from what 
is now best known, the fazdts of digestio?i a?id nutrition have to 
bear the responsibility of supporting this malady. 

Mental Unrest and Anxious Care 

aid in its perpetuation. Dr. Watson says : " In the treatment 
of every case of diabetes there are three objects to be kept in 
view. First, to restore the defective power of the digestive 
apparatus, whether the fault be in the stomach or in the liver. 
Secondly, to cut off, or restrict as much as possible, the supply 
of saccharine matter from without. Thirdly, to mitigate or re- 
move the most distressing symptoms. If we could achieve the 
first of these objects, the other two would fall out of sight ; for 
the disease, which may be regarded as a variety of dyspepsia, 
would be cured." 

Viola: " But hitherto," he continues, " the resources of our 
art have in this respect been baffled. " Is it so? Is it not in 



308 Woman and Health. 

the line of medical possibilities to " restore the defective 
power of the digestive apparatus " ? Why, I believe an ama- 
teur in the true healing art can point to means which would do 
this. 

Julia: I was thinking how much light our lessons on di- 
gestion throw over this subject, which seems so obscure to 
minds closed against the admission of simple natural facts in 
physiology. It seems pitiable that Dr. Watson should express 
the doubt, " If we could achieve" etc. Dr. Taylor could very 
easily and truthfully paraphrase that sentence like this, We can 
achieve the first of these objects, hence the other two fall out of 
sight. 

Doctor: The name of Dr. George H. Taylor will be coupled 
in the future, as it is now, with the most 

Eminently Successful Effort 

ever made to answer just such longings, "a kingdom for a cure," 
as are found in every high authority on principles and practice 
of physic. He brings to the profession a factor it has over- 
looked, or element of strength and power it sadly lacks. To 
the people he gives hopeful assurance of a limit and final ex- 
tinction of their depressing maladies ; for he points to causes, 
and furnishes methods for their removal founded on law 
divinely ordained. 

Remedial motion, so prominently brought forward by him, 
and shown to possess such severely demonstrable reliability, 
justly merits the leading position assigned it among the hygi- 
enic or natural methods of successfully treating chronic dis- 
eases. Thaf, the leading factor, coupled with such other natural 
means as are indicated in the case, affords all the possibilities 
of relief and cure. 

Viola: We are, then, to understand that the treatment 
which would suit derangements of the liver and general nutri- 
tive faults, with local pain, would be proper in this disorder? 

Doctor: Precisely. Great attention to diet must be ob- 
served. The most rigid adherence to simplicity will bring the 
best results. It is not necessary to particularize. 



Chronic Diarrhoea. 309 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

CHRONIC DIARRHOEA. 

Doctor: This is a phase of intestinal derangement which 
presents such excitability of the intestinal canal, that everything 
taken into the stomach as food or drink is liable to bring on 
discharges which consist of the undigested food mixed with 
mucus: the "looseness" keeps up, sometimes without pain, 
only as disagreeable sensations attend the debility which must 
soon arise from such an interruption to digestion and nutrition. 

Viola: Is not this condition due to chronic inflammation of 
the mucous membrane? 

Doctor: It is; and as it increases in severity, the secretions 
of the liver, stomach, and pancreas, as well as the intestines 
themselves, become very morbid. The discharges are dark- 
colored and very offensive, scanty, and accompanied by griping 
pains of some severity. Nausea, and sometimes vomiting also, 
ensues. Appetite is delicate, but not always affected, except 
in the way to become quite ravenous. Of course, there is 
emaciation, yellow skin, hot, dry hands, despondent expression 
of the countenance, etc. The abdomen is swelled, or very flat, 
sometimes tender, and again capable of bearing pressure, with- 
out any pain. Hectic fever often attends this disease; the dis- 
charges occur sometimes only after food or drink has been 
taken, again only at night, or only during the day, or at par- 
ticular seasons. 

What Are the Causes 

of chronic diarrhoea? 

Julia: I suppose whatever causes intestinal congestion — 
bad food, drinks, medicinal irritants, etc. Persons in the habit 
of taking pills are liable to it, also the intemperate in eating and 
drinking: anything that breaks down the constitution induces 
the disorder. 



310 Woman and Health. 

Doctor: Treatment. It is not always a very easy task to 
meet the indications for treatment in these cases; but with due 
care and management, hygienic appliances are likely not to 
fail in any case, at least where it comes short of disorganization. 
This much from personal experience in the treatment of this 
malady. First and foremost is the diet. You must supply 
nourishment, and yet irritation in the intestines is to be excited 
as little as possible. Here is an opportunity for nutrina to ex- 
hibit itself as the leading dietic article, capable of answering 
just what is needed, a food not irritating, and supplying nutri- 
tive materials especially grateful to the starving tissues. Mild, 
but well-persisted treatment, seeking to arouse the skin to 
action by dry rubbing daily; hot towel baths about twice a 
week, rubbing well afterward; fomentations of twenty minutes, 
twice daily, over stomach and liver; very full enema of hot 
water following the second fomentation, which will probably 
be taken in the afternoon, and wearing the compress over liver 
and abdomen, so well covered with dry flannel as to prevent 
chilliness. Hot-water drinking is conspicuous for its good 
effects. Dress warmly and have the clothing evenly dis- 
tributed. Wear flannel next the skin; or silk, and flannel over 
this. Hot foot-bath taken at bed-time; three minutes. Mas- 
sage applied by an attendant to arms and legs, and very gentle 
rubbings of the stomach and liver. Whenever there is pain 
apply the fomenter, and if necessary, take a full enema; keep 
quiet, but breathe very deeply of pure air. Gentle riding, or 
even a short walk, as is agreeable, will be good. Sunlight is in- 
dispensable. Courage to 

Deny Morbid Cravings 

and false assertions of these diseased states, through the sen- 
sations, will aid in the recovery. 

Viola: Case in point. " Mrs. N , a lady of very frail 

constitution, it would appear to look at her; but to learn her 
pathological history, one would decide her by no means a very 
tender plant, having lived through so long a series of efforts to 
get well under the administration of methods which gave no 
aid in removing causes, and rather aggravated than palliated 



Chronic Diarrhoea. 311 

effects. The diarrhoea, induced at first by improper eating at 
improper times of food which, for mixture and quantity, must 
have excelled in the faculty of producing violent indigestion, 
was met with medicines to stop the frequent discharges, just 
what nature did not want done, and as the sequel shows, 
would not permit to be done, now becomes a fixed habit en- 
grafted upon a train of dyspeptic, catarrhal conditions which 
complicates the plot extremely. Castor oil and laudanum, 
rhubarb, chalk, sulphate of copper, with opium, tannin, Dover's 
powders, logwood, calomel, acetate of lead, chloride of iron, 
turpentine, nux vomica, etc., are among the remedies she 
knows to have been administered, and, " most cruel fate of all," 
she has been both leeched and blistered for this obstinate per- 
sistence in holding on to life. The abdomen is much scarred 
by these friendly agents. This case resisted treatment and 
travel and ' good living ' over four years ; was much reduced 
in flesh, and had no strength for voluntary effort. The mouth 
is covered with little ulcers, not always equally bad, but is never 
quite clear, great nervousness, sensitive to every breath of 
wind that blows, abdomen somewhat tender, stools very 
fetid, like jelly sometimes, but generally dark and watery ; so 
acrid are these discharges, the anus and wherever any portions 
of adjacent parts are exposed to its coming in contact with 
the surface, become excoriated. What can be done? I have 
a thin gruel prepared from corn-meal cooked an hour, then 
allowed to stand until the white portion rises to the top, and 
take this off. My nutrina is all ready, in another vessel. I 
take equal parts of these, add half a spoonful of cream, per- 
haps to half a pint of the food, the whole being about as con- 
sistent as rather thin cream. This is generally prepared to be 
taken warm or even hot. It is eaten in small portions, very 
slowly, three times a day. Later, fruit juices, mild sub-acids 
are added ; and in fact, a variety, not at one meal, is had by 
using different grain preparations ; but bran-tea, nutrina, is 
standard. 

"Treatment takes in all the nice points of adjustment to 
these delicate cases, but rest is never broken in upon, even if 
irregularity as to time of a process results. After two weeks' 
care in her room, the patient was brought to the machinery 



312 



Woman and Health. 



room, and a little derivative treatment given. From that day- 
there was no intermission; a gradual growing toward the sun- 
shine brought the case up to such a degree of strength that at 
the end of three months, ' vacation ' was granted for two weeks, 
and a subsequent stay of two months placed her quite beyond 
the need of other than home treatment. The diet was changed 
soon as possible to a dry, crispy grain preparation, and fruit. 
Even the whole-wheat-meal crackers were partaken of with 
satisfaction." 

Doctor: Under home treatment I would advise the use of 
the same gruels, until more solid foods are better suited to the 
case, and no one need die of chronic diarrhoea, who will give 
up taking drug medicines, diet closely, breathe deeply, and live 
a good, faithful, trustful, loving life. 



Intestinal Parasites — Worms. 313 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

INTESTINAL PARASITES— WORMS. 

Doctor: Prof. Arnold Heller, in Von Ziemssen's " Practice 
of Medicine," furnishes accurate information in regard to these 
11 creatures." How many does he say take up their abode in 
man? 

Viola: About fifty animal parasites; but twenty-one inhabit 
the intestines, and only eight of that number are peculiar to 
man. The rest are parasites of some domestic animal found 
occasionally in man. He also gives a table of statistics show- 
ing they are oftener met with in adults than in children. 

Doctor: How may these parasites be prevented admission? 

Julia: Heller says: "Speaking in general terms, we may 
say that cleanliness in food and drink, as well as in the house 
and kitchen, is what we must rely on most to protect us from 
invasion. More general instruction in rational diet and hygiene 
is at present urgently required." 

Doctor: What is the first condition necessary for the de- 
velopment of a parasite in the intestine? 

Viola: Of course, the introduction of eggs, or embryos, or 
of young forms. Persons who are engaged in the preparation, 
sale, or dressing of animal food are especially afflicted with 
tape-worm. 

Doctor: You may name the four general classes of intes- 
tinal parasites. 

Viola: I, Infusoria; 2, Tape-worms ; 3, Leech tribe ; and 4, 
Round-worms. The tape-worm inhabits the small intestine, 
where, folded into many coils, it lies surrounded with chyme; 
it can move but little from its original position. In order that 
a tape-worm can be developed, it is necessary that a living em- 
bryo be introduced into the stomach. This usually happens 
from eating flesh that is infested, and which has not been suf- 
ficiently cooked to kill the embryos or render them incapable 



314 Woman and Health. 

of further development. Occasionally they may be introduced 
with other articles of food which have been in contact with in- 
fected meat, and to which the embryos have adhered, or which 
have been cut with a knife that has been previously used for 
cutting infected meat. The possibility of infection by the habit 
of using meat imperfectly cooked is constantly present. This 
habit is becoming every day more common, and is extremely 
favorable to the propagation of tape-worms. 

Doctor: How is the " taenia solium," one of the tape-worm 
family, acquired? 

Viola: By eating pork which contains the embryos. 

Doctor: And the " taenia saginta?" 

Viola: By the use of the flesh of ruminants, the cow in par- 
ticular. This species has often been observed in those children 
who, for any reason, have been given raw grated beef by the 
doctor's order. 

Julia: Kuchenmeister relates that in his own house em- 
bryos were found in water in which some sausages had been 
washed. 

Doctor: What country has been called the classic land of 
the " taenia saginta," and why? 

Viola: Abyssinia ; for every one, almost without exception, 
is infested with taenia, and there it is that the use of raw, still 
quivering cow's flesh is looked upon as the greatest delicacy. 
There could not possibly be more favorable conditions than 
these for the propagation of tape-worms. 

Doctor: What disturbances of the system are specially due 
to the tape-worm? 

Julia: Symptoms of more or less disturbance of the di- 
gestion and nutrition, and even of the nervous system, occur, 
without the patient being in the least able to localize his troubles. 
A sensation of ravenous hunger followed by fainting, should 
nothing be taken to satisfy it, is said to be of frequent occur- 
rence. Distention of the abdomen, diarrhoea, alternating with 
constipation, the feeling as of some foreign body moving about 
in the abdomen, with many other symptoms, have all been put 
down as due to the presence of tape-worm. 



Intestinal Parasites — Worms. 315 

The Sympathetic Disturbances 

dependent on the presence of the worm are itching about the 
anus, tickling of the nose, salivation, vomiting, various sorts of 
hemorrhage, perspiration, headaches, ringing in the ears, palpi- 
tation, irregularities of menstruation, and many others, but 
more especially nervous disturbances of greater or less severity, 
such as cramps, deafness, numbness, blindness, and so on. 

Doctor: The worm is scarcely accountable for all these 
symptoms, which would more properly be set down to some 
nervous affection of the patient. 

There is no trouble in finding similar symptoms where 
chronic derangements of any part of the body have long pre- 
vailed. I would have you revert to the problem of how we are 
to be protected from the introduction of living embryos. What 
does your author say about this? 

Viola: " By establishing a strict compulsory meat inspection 
we must prevent any infected meat being exposed for sale. 
Suck an inspection will, however, only be possible when we have 
erected public slaughter-houses ! Indeed, even by the most careful 
inspection, we can never prevent individual embryos escaping at- 
tention and being sold with the meat, and eaten, for they are by no 
means distributed equally throughout the whole body of the 
animal." 

No meat should be eaten that has not been sufficiently ex- 
posed to heat. It is, however, only after long roasting or boil- 
ing that large joints of meat are raised to a sufficiently high 
temperature in the center to kill the embryos. The use of raw 
meat should be entirely condemned. All this, of course, holds 
good for meat that has been insufficiently salted or smoked. 

The Strictest Cleanliness 

should rule, both in the kitchen and in the larder. Meat should 
never be allowed to lie in contact with other articles of food 
which are not exposed to heat before being used, nor should 
they be carried together in the same vessel or basket. When 
possible, every article of food should be washed before being 
used. 



316 Woman and Health. 

Julia: Tcenia solium is peculiar to man, and will be found 
among all nations that do not despise pork. It is very frequent 
in Europe and America. 

Doctor: The round-worm next claims attention. It is a 
light-brownish or dirty reddish-yellow color ; tapers at both 
extremities ; inhabits the middle portion of the small intestine 
of man, and is seldom found in the large intestine ; when it is, 
it is always dead and on its way to be expelled. 

Julia: This same worm is met with in the pig and the cow. 
How human beings become infested with this worm is some- 
what a mystery. 

Doctor: You have omitted to give the disturbances they 
occasion. 

Julia: Almost all the symptoms of tape-worm. Even 
spasms and death, in rare instances, have been produced in this 
way. Round-worms often find their way into places between 
which and the intestine there is communication, as the stomach, 
oesophagus, nasal passages, Eustachian tube, air passages, etc. 
Should they make their way into the stomach, they, as a rule, 
cause violent sickness and vomiting, which latter generally 
causes their expulsion. 

Doctor: The next and least intestinal parasite is the thread- 
worm — " Oxyuris vermicularis." 

Julia: This is found only in the intestine of man. They 
are most plentifully found in the caecum : this is their special 
habitat. Sometimes the whole mucous membrane of the in- 
testine is so thickly covered with them that, as Vix has well ex- 
pressed it, it looks just like fur. The Oxyuris can only occur 
in the intestine as a consequence of the entry into the stomach 
of ripe eggs, which have been furnished by some one who was 
himself suffering from the worm. There are numberless ways 
in which the 

First Transmission May Take Place. 

Once even a few animals have become developed in the diges- 
tive canal, there is no further occasion for the entrance of eggs 
from foreign sources; for the conditions are most favorable for 
self-infection, ripe eggs of the host's own guests being carried 
to the mouth, and causing fresh infection. 



Intestinal Parasites — Worms. 317 

Bakers, dealers in fruit, cooks, waiters, and persons having 
like occupations, have abundant opportunity, should they be 
afflicted with thread-worms, of imparting them to others. 

Doctor: While it may not be true that there is any such 
thing as a diathesis predisposing a person to the acquisition of 
these worms, dyspepsia or chronic catarrh of the intestines 
would favor their thriving. 

In the rectum they always give rise to symptoms of such an 
annoying sort that, among all the usual 

Intestinal Parasites, the Oxyurides 

must, in spite of their small size, be looked on as the very worst 
tormentors of man. 

The worms descend into the rectum to lay their eggs, and 
cause, by their active boring movements, an unbearable tickling 
and a painful itching just within the sphincter and in the folds 
of the anus, which sometimes becomes so great as to make it 
almost impossible to keep quiet and bear it. It is at night, 
especially, that the inconvenience is most felt. This is not be- 
cause there is any periodicity in the life of the worm, caused by 
the change from day to night, for "in their home darkness 
always reigns;" but it is then that external circumstances, such 
as the repose of the host, the warmth of the bed, and, perhaps, 
also, the state of the digestion, incite the guests to greater ac- 
tivity. 

Sometimes emptying the rectum brings ease, by removing 
mechanically the worms that were buried there. Many persons 
who complain of having piles have nothing but thread-worms. 
These worms frequently find their way into the vulva and 
vagina, giving rise to very great irritation. 

Doctor: While it is hardly possible to prevent a few eggs 
being introduced into one's stomach, is it in our power to pre- 
vent their increase by self-infection? 

Julia: It is. An anxious attention to cleanliness with re- 
gard to the hands, and especially with regard to the nails, is 
the most certain protection. 



318 Woman and Healtli. 

The Oriental Custom 

of washing the hands before every meal is deserving of more 
general adoption among us. The bad habit of munching or 
even biting the nails should not be tolerated. All persons are 
to be suspected of having Oxyurides who, half-unconsciously, 
every now and then by their motions or by rubbing themselves 
show that they suffer from itching about the anus. 

Treatment. 

This has been a " poser " put to the hygienic medical 
people — " How will you cure wormy people, and children, by 
hygienic agents?" For my part I would not hesitate to kill the 
worm with poison — he deserves no better fate than does the 
parasite which may infest head or body of man — but how to 
kill him without killing my patient? I do not know, so I coax 
the creatures to leave their " lair, 1 ' and deprive them of a com- 
fortable home, by treating their " host " so to bring the diges- 
tive secretions and surfaces up to their normal condition, when 
lo ! the worm gets unhappy, and proceeds to emigrate. He 
lives on filth, and when the organism is purified loses his liv- 
ing. People who keep their bodies clean — inside and out — 
eat clean food, and in quantity to keep up clean, pure blood, 
and the cleansing, purifying processes sustained by exercise, 
pure air, and pure thought, do not have worms. 

Children thus cared for possess immunity from their in- 
festation. But sweets, candies, fine-flour bread and biscuits, 
pastry, cakes, preserves, syrups, meat, fats, condiments, etc. — 
food eaten at all times between meals, late suppers, stimulating 
drinks, all such dietetic ways are a delight to worms — and then 
the worm medicines ! 

They build the house which the creature shall inhabit, for 
they induce just the most favorable conditions for the happy 
occupants — leave the secretions depraved, the system debili- 
tated — and impurities certain to accumulate. If one wants to 

Collect a Worm Show, 

give the children the right kind of food to create bad digestion, 
then administer drugs for that, and finally for the worms, and 
ample opportunity will be afforded. 



Intestinal Parasites — Worms. 319 

Viola: I suppose the worms, then, are a sort of intestinal 
scavenger. It is taught that these little microscopic creatures 
found in the tissues and blood in some diseases are there as 
scavengers; when the blood is purified, and the system restored 
to health, these disappear. 

Doctor: On the principle that " like begets like," and repels 
unlike? It is true that the more vitality abounds, the higher 
our states of physical health, the more security is had against 
infections and "germs," and all influences which are unfavor- 
able to health ; even miasm will be for a long time resisted by 
the healthy body. 

Julia: Just as one who is morally pure, and reaching out 
toward the good and true, seems guarded by a power which 
does not permit evil to contaminate. 

Doctor: How, when the evil is present, shall we proceed to 
remove it? is the question we started out to answer. I recom- 
mend abstemious diet and care of the general health, with 
the observance of a fast for a day or so in adults; but children 
can scarcely meet this requirement. Treatment for dyspepsia 
will about meet the case ; and hot-water drinking, lemon added, 
without sugar, will cause disgorgement of the inhabited intes- 
tine. Twenty-three years ago, when lecturing to a class of 
ladies in an Iowa town, I was asked how I would treat a case of 
tape-worm? I said, in reply, I would subject my patient to a 
fast of thirty-six hours, then administer an old-fashioned rem- 
edy, which is prepared after this manner: Take the meat of 
pumpkin seeds, to the amount of half a coffee-cup full; pound 
them very fine, return the mass to the cup and pour on boiling 
water until full. Stir this, and give it the patient, to be taken 
all at one time if possible. In about four or five hours, give a 
very full injection of warm water — hot water. The tape-worm 
would be expelled with the injected fluid. The question was 
asked for a purpose of which I was unaware. Three days after- 
ward, two ladies called to inform me that my prescription had 
wrought a marvelous cure in a man who was the victim of his 
wormship, as was proved by over thirty feet, I believe, of tape- 
worm having been expelled after the fast prescribed, the dose 
taken, and enema administered. I was glad to have it demon- 
strated that so innocent an agent was capable of disgusting the 



320 Woman and Health. 

intruder. I have been made familiar with these wormy cases, and 
never knew failure to attend good hygienic treatment, without 
resort to my humble remedy, useful as it was in the case men- 
tioned. The thread-worm may be dislodged by such copious 
enemas as fill the colon, reaching even its full extent. Very 
careful dietary, and cultivation of the best health conditions, 
will effectually bring them to terms. Here is one positive 
danger to sweet, innocent babyhood — the habit of kissing the 
baby. Undoubtedly worm germs are not infrequently thus 
communicated to the little ones. Do not allow babies to be 
kissed. 



Traumatic Tetanus. 321 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 
TRAUMATIC TETANUS. 

Viola: I know one does not like to recall painful experi- 
ences; but such a wide use is involved in relating what you 
passed through, and what was learned from that severe trial, 
that I venture to ask for a description. Tetanus is liable to 
befall any one, and as it is looked upon as hopeless of cure, and 
nothing is said in the books to- show what the incipient stages 
are, because, of course, the physician is not called until the 
patient is actually engaged in the struggle with those horrid 
spasms, anything which will throw light upon this matter must 
be extremely important. Perhaps many lives are needlessly 
lost for lack of a knowledge of the approaching stages of 
tetanus, and of what measures to adopt promptly. 

Doctor: It is indeed not delightful to live over again our 
distresses, and I am saved this by referring you to " How to 
be Well," for an answer to your request. 

There is so little real knowledge of this most formidable 
affection, and the prescribed modes of treatment prove so un- 
satisfactory in their results that the practitioner is liable to 
yield to the irresistibly depressing influence of unsuccessful 
experiment, and conclude that his efforts must look only to 
palliation, not cure. To smooth the pathway to the grave is 
all the resources of the medical art are expected to avail. It 
is now my firm conviction that this position is not the true one 
— when the physician assumes that all is done that can be 
done. When the patient is helped to die easy, that physician 
becomes a dangerous adviser. 

I am also convinced that the practice of meeting the alarm- 
ing symptoms of this disorder with opiates and other disease- 
producing and death-inducing agencies, renders these cases 
hopeless of cure. 

21 



822 Woman and Health. 

What this tetanus is I do not pretend to say. I bow my 
head awe-struck before the reminiscence of an experience 
which is here presented to the profession as a matter of medi- 
cal interest, and to the people, with the hope of giving some 
information as regards the incipient stages in particular of this 
disease. 

In the month of March, 1871, I stepped upon a nail, which 
pierced my right foot just at the side of the hollow, making a 
wound perhaps an inch in depth. The nail was immediately 
removed, and as no great degree of pain followed, I looked for 
no unpleasant results ; but during the day a something very 
hard to bear, but less defined than pain, induced me to resort 
to the hot foot-bath frequently, feeling that my sensations were 
in some way connected with this wound. At night my sleep 
was undisturbed, but on awaking next morning an extreme 
languor came over me. I could scarcely arouse myself, and, 
on looking out of my window, I wondered how people could 
walk and move about so briskly, I was so weary. My appetite 
was good ; pulse normal, so far as I could judge. During that 
day the sense of weariness increased, and a strange apprehen- 
sive feeling crept over me. 

At night my sleep was troubled, and morning found me 
unrefreshed. I felt as though under the influence of a subtle 
poison ; at times during the day was drowsy, but always awoke 
more weary. That night I took a warm bath, followed by 
thorough rubbing, which was soothing for a time, but my sleep 
was much disturbed. I grated my teeth and moaned, and was 
restless. Next morning very sharp pains darted through my 
head, and limbs, and back. A decided increase of distressing 
symptoms all this day, with the same languid half-effort for 
relief. At bedtime I was put in the warm half pack and re- 
mained in it until nearly morning, as it induced sleep and for- 
getfulness of weary self. 

Next day, which was the fifth since the occurrence of the 
casualty, I was almost incontrollably restless. With the sharp 
pains of the previous day was a desire to move continually 
from one room to another, and I walked all over the house. 

On going up-stairs, I was obliged to rest frequently; my 
breath was short, and severe pain in my chest. 



Traumatic Tetanus. 323 

On having hot fomentations applied to the liver and chest, 
I found much relief for an hour or so, when the crampings re- 
turned and the fomentations were repeated. 

This night the deeply-poisoned feeling or stupor, as if from 
inhalation of some noxious vapor, was so oppressive as to pre- 
vent sleep. With the approach of day, the whole system 
seemed alive to pain and restlessness. I felt compelled to 
walk about the room, but that very prompting to motion 
brought aggravation of the pain, which was most distressing. 

I now found myself unable to prescribe measures at all 
likely to prove available, and so called medical assistance. 

At that time I was not aware what my condition required, 
nor, from my knowledge of the symptoms of tetanus gathered 
from the books, did I decide this to be my disease, as I had so 
little information as to its incipiency. 

But in a few hours there was no mistaking the diagnosis. A 
general spasm, accompanied with such suffering as pen can never 
depict, took place. The mind was clear, and the senses acute 
much beyond what was normal. It seemed as though the 
nerves were played upon by some terrible force which rasped 
and tortured them in every imaginable way. At times it was 
as though the spirit were struggling to leave the body, but was 
prevented by something which delighted to inflict the most ex- 
quisite torture far exceeding anything physical. The stiffening 
jaws closed with a motion quicker than thought. 

The diaphragm held firmly, all the muscles of the chest 
cramped, the head pushed back, and the body fairly lifted 
from the bed by the awfully rigid muscles. The brain and 
spinal cord seemed twisted and intertwined as with little hot 
wires, the abdomen and lungs held so tightly by the resistance 
of the diaphragm, the inability to swallow, producing the sen- 
sation of pressure as though a hand were grasping the throat, 
together with the fearful feeling of being pulled to pieces by 
the stretching of the awfully rigid muscles, led me to exclaim 
whenever speech was possible, " Come, do come ; they're 
pulling me, they're pulling me." I felt as though a giant were 
at my head, and with hot iron hands was pressing my brain, 
while at my feet was another giant trying to pull me away, and 
at every muscle, and nerve, and fiber of my body was a wicked 
little imp pinching me, and twirling sharp burning wires. 



324 Woman and Health. 

The nerves of sensation were so vivid, so alive to the con- 
dition, that the impression of being in the power of some tor- 
turing creature was most fearful, and I felt that I could not 
be rescued from my suffering until death came. 

"Though death be poor, it ends a mortal woe." 

I now refer to a letter from my physician, Dr. Glass, of 
Hannibal, Missouri, under whose medical care I placed myself 
at this time, and to whose skill and ability I am able to bear 
living testimony: 

"Dr. Fairchild: — In reply to your request, I would say, 
that when called to assume charge of a case of traumatic tet- 
anus as presented in your own person, it was the first which 
had come under my medical care in a practice of over thirty 
years. 

" I had seen cases in the hands of physicians who adminis- 
tered opiates, and the patients died, I verily believe, from the 
effects of the drugs, and at the same time I do not say they 
would have recovered under different treatment. They cer- 
tainly would have ' stood a better chance ' for recovery. 

"What was I to do? — the books gave such sorry comfort. 
After prescribing a most formidable array of stimulants and 
opiates, each individual remedy was pronounced unreliable, 
and simple palliation seemed all that the resources of the med- 
ical art could accomplish. 

"I had the idea, gathered perhaps from the opinion of some 
medical writers, that the system in this disease is oppressed 
from the effect of subtle poison, as that of a dissecting wound. 
The small deep wound was closed upon by the thick tissues of 
the foot, and an infinitesimal amount of decayed flesh, it might 
be, was retained, and thus poison was pervading the body. I 
made a deep gash through the wound, and plunged into this a 
stick of caustic potash. 

"This relieved the spasm to some degree, and I afterward 
repeated the caustic burning, as you remember, even until 
and during convalescence, months afterward. 

"I saw that relaxation must be produced. How? At first, 
blankets were wrung from hot water and used as a general 
fomentation; but there was one condition which would not ad- 



Traumatic Tetanus. 325 

mit of any such appliances, strange as it would seem. The 
very small degree of motion, or change of position necessary, 
induced greater severity of the spasm. Even the moving of the 
light bed-cover did this. And so I resorted to what in my 
days of drug practice I handled very skillfully — lobelia. I 
made a weak decoction of the seed of lobelia, and administered 
it as enema, not allowing it to pass off for some time. In this 
way nausea and relaxation were induced, and during twenty- 
four hours at once I kept you very much nauseated, so that 
retching was induced; for as soon as this was allowed to abate, 
the frightful and distressing spasms would assert themselves 
with extreme severity. 

" Rubbing, which seemed to those at your bedside must 
prove grateful, was, on the contrary, an aggravation of the 
paroxysms. At no time was the spasm entirely in subsidence, 
though it was much lighter than at others. At the end of ten 
days from the time I was called, and I believe the casualty oc- 
curred about seven days before that, decided evidences of con- 
valescence appeared. 

"The spasms less severe, and more easily controlled. But 
then came those distressing nervous symptoms from which 
you suffered, which no one can describe so well as yourself. 

14 1 will close by saying, what you already know, that since 
then I have been repeatedly called upon to give my plan of 
treatment in such a case. Here it is. I would do as I did 
in yours — open the wound, and keep it open by using caustic, 
then produce relaxation. Use lobelia, if that is more con- 
venient than the full hot bath or hot fomentations. 

" Full enemas of weak lobelia-seed tea, and smaller ones, 
alternate. Then quiet and good care." 

My convalescence was attended with suffering almost as 
great as the spasmodic symptoms. The whole nervous system 
seemed, as a medical friend said, " raw," or as though the nerves 
were on the outside and without protection. I felt as though 
everything were acting on me ; I, a prey to all my surround- 
ings, could resist nothing. At sight of an envelope, pen, book, 
or even a piece of torn newspaper, I became quite distracted, 
and a slight spasm occurred. For many months I could 
neither read nor write. Anything suggestive of number, as the 



326 Woman and Health. 

mention of the time of day or date of the month, or the sight 
of a dish of rice on the table, or spoons in the spoon-holder, or 
a plate of crackers, was liable to bring most painful sensations, 
which would follow me for hours. Sound, too, produced 
equally unpleasant impressions. Always, on hearing the bells 
of the town ring, I caught up a pillow and pressed it tightly 
over the top of my head. I felt as though the undulations of 
sound caused like waves in my brain ; it was agonizing. 

So exhausted nervously, a thought was tiresome. Poems, 
hymns, and passages of Scripture long before committed to 
memory, seemed right near, and one word, at quite long inter- 
vals, was all I could utter or even think of ; yet the feeling that 
they were somewhere in the memory, like living entities as it 
were, was very distinct and very comforting, as sometimes we 
feel the presence of a friend, though we may not have the as- 
surance of sight. I so well remember that once the beautiful 
psalm which has the words, "The Lord is my Shepherd," etc., 
came to my mind, and I sought to repeat it, but could only 
say the first two words for a whole day, and several days 
elapsed before I could say the whole verse, yet those were 
delightful hours spent in the sphere which the presence of the 
Lord's Word always brings to our spirits. 

Did I take medical treatment during this stage of convales- 
cence ? Very little ; and that was what exactly suited my 
case, — what meets all these nervous cases — simple hygienic 
treatment, in which remedial motion is the prominent factor. I 
longed for the earth, the sun, the outdoor air. And when the 
sight of the countless blades of grass distressed me, I covered 
my eyes, and was placed where I could pat the ground with 
my hands and let the sun shine upon me and breathe the pure 
air. My food was of grains and fruit — mostly unleavened 
Graham bread or plain corn-bread, and such fruits as were 
relished. Very little different from my dietetic habits of years, 
and an allopathic physician of eminence declared it to be his 
conviction that my recovery was due largely to my temperate 
habits of living, which maintained my system in the most 
favorable conditions to resist the causes of disease. 

I am taught by this experience very many valuable lessons 
regarding the morbid action of the nervous system, and have 



Traumatic Tetanus. 327 

been led to acquaint myself more and more with the physiology 
of the same, thus becoming enabled to select remedial meth- 
ods, both as to kind and degree, which are peculiarly adapted 
to the needs of these nervous disorders. 

Just enough treatment — a rule which must guide the practi- 
tioner and the patient. It requires more skill to decide when 
and what not to do, than to apply the most complete medical 
resources. All physicians know this ; but all have not the 
courage to combat the settled opinions of their patrons, hence 
too much treatment is much more liable to be given than too 
little. I am well assured that but few patients would be satis- 
fied to receive no more medical treatment than was given me. 
I know that it was judicious selection and correct quantity, the 
two conditions, and not one, which would have a bearing on 
the case, and more treatment than I received would be harm- 
ful. This disease, not unlike all nervous complaints, is emi- 
nently one of exhaustion, and rest, rest, rest, is the prayer most 
importunate of the whole system. 



828 Woman and Health. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 
HYGIENIC SIGNIFICANCE OF AIR. 

Doctor: It is not difficult to perceive what would be the 
first essential for a physical being endowed as we find woman. 
It is health, wholeness. Second to knowledge of herself, is to 
know what health is, how always to keep mind and body in 
trim for work or play, ever ready to do and to enjoy. How 
to secure and retain that indescribable, keen sense of living, 
when to draw the breath is luxury; and to feel that conscious- 
ness of power which waits upon our daily care and toil, turns 
the severest tasks into pleasure, and insures the highest degree 
of human use and happiness. 

Viola: That sounds very well; but it is so much easier to 
admire health than to possess one's self of it. A life of con- 
stant thinking and caring for the body, living according to 
certain set rules, weighing, measuring, nicely adjusting every 
material feature of the universe to the attainment of this one 
object, is surely paying pretty dearly for bodily rectitude; and 
you are not always sure of attaining your object even for all 
your trying. 

Doctor: You are wrong. Health will never be attained in 
the selfish seeking for. it, but rather in the losing of selfi and the 
getting of understanding. Once a man took a long journey to 
ask a certain father of the church what rules to follow for right 
living; " Love, and then do as you like," was the reply. Should 
one take the trouble to ask me how to receive health, I would 
say, " Know — and then do as you like." I do not mean a soul- 
less, lifeless, purely intellectual knowing, but an inspiring, liv- 
ing, abiding, real knowledge, leading to action, which is true 
charity. The one who knows and loves will shun evils as sins; 
if the laws of health are understood and loved, they will be 
obeyed spontaneously, and health is spontaneous — it is perva- 
sive and natural as light and air. 



Hygienic Significance of Air. 329 

The Uses of Air. 

Doctor: Pettenkoffer says, " One of the incessant wants of 
man is air." " Do not object," he continues, " that air is some- 
thing so light that it need not be taken into account. Respi- 
ration, the function by which atmospheric air is introduced 
into the lungs and enabled to fulfill its office in the system, is 
quite as important as digestion; and, in fact, digestion cannot 
be perfected without this source of animation, for nutritive 
material is unfitted to nourish the body, and to replace the 
worn-out material of the body, until suitable changes, which air 
alone is capable of performing, have been made. The physio- 
logical evidence of the paramount influence of proper aeration 
of the blood is readily acknowledged, and the inference that 
insufficient breathing of air, or the breathing of air that has 
been rendered impure, is highly damaging to the vital interests, 
is easily drawn, and confirmed by experience." 

What are the four great purifiers of air? 

Viola: Diffusion, dilution by winds, oxidation, and the fall of 
rain. 

Doctor: The laboratory of the vegetable world might be 
added. It keeps the carbon-dioxide of the atmosphere within 
certain limits, as you know; plants absorb and appropriate it 
and give off oxygen. Were it not for each one of these three 
agencies, and for all combined, the impurities of the atmos- 
phere would soon render it incapable of sustaining us. Cripple 
or limit the action of any one of these three great agencies, and 
vital interests of the system are at once made to suffer. This 
is well illustrated whenever ventilation is overlooked or neg- 
lected. The walls and ceilings of our houses present obstacles 
to the purifying powers of nature; knowing this, we should 
provide efficiently to counterbalance the disadvantage of liv- 
ing in houses. There are various sources of impurities in the 
air we breathe. I say air we breathe, not swallow. 

Viola: I thought everybody breathed air. How can you 
say not swallow air? See, I open my mouth and fill my lungs, 
the air enters my lungs, not my stomach; it was drawn through 
the mouth and nose, and fauces, and windpipe. 



330 Woman and Health. 

Doctor: Which is the natural breathing organ, the mouth 
or the nose? You readily concede this function to the nose, 
for it is furnished with the means of preventing hurtful sub- 
stances, which may be floating in the atmosphere, from reach- 
ing the lungs. The mucous lining of the nostrils is provided 
with abundant little hairs, which form, with the mucous secre- 
tion, a fine, moist brush, and in the passage of air over this, 
particles of dust are caught and held by it, ready to be ex- 
pelled, not admitted into the air tube and the lungs. So 

Natural Breathing 

is nostril breathing. Breathing with closed mouth is one of 
the primary essentials of healthful living. The air which passes 
into the lungs may be perfectly pure, that is, " perfectly gas- 
eous," and it may be a mixture of gases and solid particles, 
either mineral or organic, which have passed into the atmos- 
phere. The purely gaseous substances will enter the passages 
of the lungs, and will there meet that wonderful surface covered 
with the most delicate tufts of blood-vessels, which stand up on 
the surface of five or six million air cells, through which the 
blood flows with great velocity. There the gases will be ab- 
sorbed, and as the surface of the air cells is as much as from 
ten to twenty square feet (some think it much more), you 
readily understand the great rapidity and ease with which 
gaseous substances enter the blood. Now, the solid particles 
which are taken in with the air will, through nostril breath- 
ing, be lodged in the nose, mostly, if not entirely. If they do 
pass into the lungs, failing to be caught in the nose or mouth, 
they remain to decompose, dissolve, or become dislodged as 
sources of irritation. Particles taken with air through the mouth 
are swallowed. It is considered very certain that many of the 
specific poisons which abound at times in the atmosphere, such 
as arise from typhoid, cholera, diphtheria, scarlet fever, etc., 
emanations and evacuations, produce their first effect upon the 
mucous membrane lining the whole alimentary canal, having 
been brought in contact with this through swallowing. In 
malarious districts persons have withstood the poisonous at- 
mosphere by paying strict attention to this fact of proper 



Hygienic Significance of Air. 331 

breathing. This may be to mouth breathers a matter which 
will require much careful effort, but trained persistently by 
"little and little," correct breathing will become established as 
one of the involuntary actions of the system. The importance 
of this will be realized as we now come to consider 

Sources of Atmospheric Impurities. 

Viola: I have compiled some facts from various authentic 
sources to serve a useful purpose here. An immense number 
of substances, organic and inorganic, may be suspended in the 
atmosphere. From the soil, the winds lift finely powdered min- 
eral substances, the debris of perished creatures who have lived 
in the atmosphere, and even animals of some magnitude are 
lifted from the surface of marsh water by occasional force of 
evaporation; then the debris of vegetation passes up, pollen, 
spores of fungi, mycoderms, etc., which grow in the atmos- 
phere, and innumerable volatile substances or odors. The 
germs, also, vibriones, bacteria, and monads, are largely present, 
and small eggs of various kinds. There is no reason to doubt 
that various organic substances, dried in the ground and finely 
pulverized, may be lifted into the air by winds and may be car- 
ried to great distances. In this way it is believed that some 
diseases may be propagated. 

Doctor: Closets where soiled clothing is kept are sources 
of air impurities, and even of infection. No articles used 
about the bed or persons of the sick should be thus stored 
away or allowed to remain in the house. Kitchen closets, sink 
closets, where soiled dish-cloths and towels are tucked away, 
are sources of diphtheria, scarlet fever, and other malignant 
diseases. 

Suspended Matters in Rooms. 

Viola: Those in rooms not perfectly ventilated, inhabited 
by healthy persons, are scaly epithelium. Round cells like 
nuclei, portions of fibers, cotton, linen, wool, portions of food, 
bits of human hair, bits of wood and coal, can be found, in 
addition to the bodies that are present in the external air. In 
some cases articles of furniture may furnish certain substances; 
wall papers, colored green by arsenical preparations, give off 



332 Woman and Health. 

little particles of arsenical dust into the room. Hence, I 
should say such papers are unfit for use. 

I?i sick-rooms, the air is contaminated by abundant exhala- 
tions from the bodies, and by tire effluvia from discharged 
secretions, in addition to what is found in the external air, and 
to what is added by respiration, which is a source of impurity. 
An adult man in a state of repose, gives off in twenty-four 
hours from twelve to sixteen or more cubic feet of carbon- 
dioxide, the most of it from the lungs. 

Organic matter is given off from the skin and lungs. This 
must be partly suspended, and is made up of small particles of 
epithelium and fatty matters detached from the skin and 
mouth, and partly from an organic vapor given off from the 
lungs and mouth. This is nitrogenous ond oxidizable. It has 
a very fetid smell, and this is retained in a room for so long a 
time, sometimes for hours, even when there is free ventilation, 
as to show that it is oxidized slowly. 

Doctor: This is made plain to every one by common ex- 
perience. Go into an unventilated, close sleeping-room, or 
any other unventilated apartment, and the presence of some- 
thing besides pure air will be quickly detected by the sense 
of smell. Our churches, public halls, and school-rooms give 
sickening evidence of this. This organic fetid vapor is sup- 
posed to be in combination with water, as substances the most 
capable of absorbing water readily seem the most thoroughly 
affected by it. It is absorbed most by wool, feathers, damp 
walls, and moist paper, and least by straw and horse-hair. The 
color of substance influences its absorption. Black absorbs 
the most, and white the least. 

Viola: Is this matter of which you are talking a gas? 

Doctor: No. It is probably not a gas, but is molecular, 
and floats in clouds through the air, as the odor is evidently 
not always diffused through the room. 

Viola: What important practical lessons may we draw 
from this fact? In the furnishing of our homes regard will be 
had to the hygienic teachings here given. Woolen carpets and 
feather-beds for sleeping-rooms will surely no longer hold a 
very high place in the favor of those persons who are instructed 
in these matters. 



Hygienic Significance of Air. 333 

Combustion. 

Doctor: It is said that one lamp consumes as much oxygen 
as seven persons. For the most part, the products of combus- 
tion and heating are allowed to pass out into the atmosphere 
at large; but lighting allows these to be diffused in the room, 
and they are deleterious gases. So of tobacco smoke. It con- 
tains particles of nicotine, or its salts, and probably of pico- 
lene bases. There is also much carbon-dioxide, ammonia, and 
butyric acid. 

How far these substances remove from the air we breathe 
its purity and life-sustaining power ! What violations of the 
Golden Rule are practices which compel those about us to in- 
hale an atmosphere so ruinously poisonous. 

Viola: Effluvia from sewage matters, and air of cess-pools 
and sewers, poison the air. The air of churchyards and ceme- 
teries contains, by the decomposition of bodies, a very large 
amount of carbon-dioxide. Ammonia and an offensive putrid 
vapor are also given off. Fungi and germs of infusoria abound. 
Here is good reason why those who have deceased friends 
should restrain the morbid desire to remain long near where 
the decaying body is laid. Instances are known where visits 
to the cemetery were followed by serious illness, and in some 
cases, death. But who ever suspected the cause? 

Doctor: 

The Air of Towns 

is bad enough. It is made impure from a variety of causes — 
respiration, combustion, effluvia from the soil, from night 
vaults, slaughter-houses, and various trades, to say nothing of 
cess-pools and sewers, of alley accumulations, and all manner 
of street filth. Were it not for the great pile of air ever in 
motion, tending continually to dilute and remove these impuri- 
ties, the heavier particles to become deposited, human ex- 
istence could not be sustained in towns. What a difference 
there is between closed and open spaces in a town or city, 
and this shows the necessity of providing abundantly of squares 
and parks throughout every place that now is, or is likely to 
become, densely populated. The great powers of nature are 



334 Woman and Health. 

thus left comparatively unobstructed, and will keep atmos- 
pheric impurities within the line that is not greatly injurious to 
health. Let the winds, the rain, and the sunshine have free 
access and full play everywhere. 

Viola: Gas combustion yields products which, if breathed 
for any length of time, are quickly manifested in the pallor, 
headaches, heaviness, and general want of tone thus induced. 
I should think it, then, a bad practice to allow a light to be left 
burning in a sleeping-room during the night. 

Doctor: It is a very damaging habit, for the reason you 
suggest, and for other reasons which might be given. I always 
enforce upon patients the excellent rule, " Put out your light, 
then go to bed." But what is to he the standard of purity in 
dwellings? 

Viola: We cannot demand that the air of an inhabited 
room shall be absolutely as pure as the outside air, for nothing 
short of breathing in the open air can insure perfect purity at 
every respiration. In every dwelling there will be some im- 
purity of air. Without attempting too much, it may be fairly 
assumed that the quantity of air supplied to every inhabited room 
should be great enough to remove all sensible impurity ; so that a 
person coming in from the external air shoidd perceive no trace 
of odor, or difference between the room and the air outside in point 
of freshness. 

In sick-rooms and hospitals unusual provision should always 
be made; in fact, the supply should be unlimited. In some 
diseases such an amount of organic substance is thrown off 
(as before mentioned) that scarcely any ventilation is suffi- 
cient to remove the odor. Even temperature must be sacri- 
ficed to a considerable extent in order to obtain fresh air, if a 
choice requires to be made between the two. 

Doctor: By ventilation, then, it would seem, we mean "the 
problem of the removal of the excreta of the air." And this 
problem is solved : 

ist. By the forces in nature continually acting, which pro- 
duce what has been termed natural ventilation. 

2d. The forces set in action by man, which produce the 
so-called artificial ventilation. 



Hygienic Significance of Air. 335 

Three forces act in natural ventilation, namely, diffusion, 
winds, and the difference in weight of masses of air of unequal 
temperature. 

First. Diffusion. As every gas diffuses at a certain rate, 
namely, inversely as the square of its density, there is a con- 
stant escape of any foreign gas into the atmosphere at large. 
From every room that is not air-tight, Pettenkoffer and Roscoe 
have shown that diffusion occurs through brick and stone. Is 
the amount of purification produced by diffusion under ordi- 
nary circumstances sufficient? 

Viola; As a general ventilating power, it is inadequate, 
because organic substances, which are not gaseous, but molecu- 
lar, are not affected by it. 

Doctor: Second. The action of the winds is a very powerful 
ventilating agent. If the wind can pass freely through the 
room with open doors and windows, the effect it produces is 
immense. 

Third. Unequal weights of air is a power in ventilation, and 
may be looked upon as an independent force. If the air in a 
room be heated by fire or the presence of men or animals, or 
be made moister, it endeavors to expand ; if possible, a por- 
tion will escape, and what remains will be lighter than an equal 
bulk of colder air outside. The outer air will then rush into 
the room by every crevice, until the equality of weight outside 
and inside is established. But as fresh air is heated as it comes 
in, the movement is kept up in a constant stream. This is the 
most useful agency in natural ventilation; in cold climates and 
in inhabited warm rooms, an arrangement should be made to 
allow it to act. 

No particular arrangements are necessary to allow diffusion 
to act, except that there should be communication between 
two atmospheres. To obtain perflation of the wind, windows 
should be placed in all cases, if possible, at opposite sides of 
the room. Various plans have been proposed, among the best 
are: First, the panes of glass may be made double, spaces being 
left at the bottom of the outside pane and at the top of the 
inside, so the wind is obliged to pass up between the two panes 
before it enters the room. Second, the lower sash may be 
raised, a piece of wood which fits closely placed below it, and 



336 Woman and Health. 

the air allowed to pass through the space left between the 
upper and lower sash. 

There are several plans for artificial ventilation; but the 
best authorities seem to place the most reliance on natural 
ventilation. " Incessant movement of the air is a law of nature. 
We have only to allow the air of our cities and dwellings to 
take a share in this constant change, and ventilation will go on 
uninterruptedly without our care!' 

Parkes says : " A notion prevails that cubic space may 
take the place of change of air, so that, if a large cubic space is 
given, a certain amount of change of air may be dispensed 
with, or less fresh air required. This is quite erroneous ; even 
the larger space can only provide sufficient air for a limited 
time, after which the same amount of fresh air must be supplied 
hourly whether the space be large or small." 



Water. 337 



CHAPTER XXX. 

WATER. 

Doctor: Water, from the mere hygienic standpoint, is an 
element which enters so constantly and influentially into the 
physical life of every individual, that it is recognized as the 
foundation of all hygienic necessities. 

Viola: Following the plan laid down by Parkes, we notice, 
first : Supply. This must be liberal. It is the inexorable de- 
mand of every man, woman, and child of humanity, individu- 
ally and collectively. Simple as this may seem, the health, 
happiness, and highest development of the race depend upon 
a liberal supply of pure water. Water, you tell me, corre- 
sponds to truth. As truth is essential to the life of the soul, 
so water is to the body. People may laugh at what may be 
termed a " fancy," but I am helped as I thus look through 
11 nature up to nature's God." 

Doctor: In seeing things " spiritual from things natural," 
the soul is led more and more into communion with the real, 
the truth of life. 

The unreal, the temporal gradually loses its power. Is not 
this a step, at least, in the regenerative life? Whatever teaches 
me of God brings me more into love to Him and for the 
neighbor, which I call good. But to our lesson. 

What is a liberal water supply? Can a correct estimate be 
reached? 

Viola: Yes. A liberal supply would be such an amount 
as meets the requirements of each individual member of a civ- 
ilized community. These requirements are health, comfort, 
and use. 

Doctor: It seems to me that this estimate is not much in 

error, being based on facts. Twelve gallons per head for all 

domestic purposes, and four gallons additional for general 

baths, and six gallons for water-closets. This makes twenty- 

22 



838 Woman and Health. 

five gallons, none too much to pass into the sewer, for this is 
important as affecting the health. For sick-rooms there must 
be a large allowance for the extra amount for baths and closet 
flushing, and water consumption generally. This would increase 
the amount by ten or twelve gallons, perhaps more. 

Viola: Collectio?i of zvater comes next. We know it is natu- 
rally collected in hollows of the earth's surface, and these form 
ponds and lakes; rivers, brooks, and springs also are properly 
collections of water. The natural idea, then, for a collection of 
water, is a reservoir. This is variously acted upon by man. A 
wall is sometimes placed across a ravine; trenches are dug in a 
flat surface, or a large depression is made, surrounded by a 
strong wall. All these are reservoirs. Below the surface the 
water is collected by wells and cisterns. 
Doctor: It is the 

Purity of the Water 

which claims primary consideration ; in fact, it is the one which 
most nearly concerns this whole subject. The cleanliness and 
nature of the surface on which rain falls, the kind of ground 
under cultivation, and like points have to be considered. In 
the first place, there can be no question as to the need of keep- 
ing the reservoir clean and free from every source of con- 
tamination. 

Doctor: Stone or brick, laid in hydraulic cement, is the best 
cistern. It should be deep, rather than wide. The brick or 
stone wall built four inches from the earth sides, and that space 
filled with cement as the wall is in course of construction. 
This prevents the ingress of underground waters. About four 
or five feet below the surface an arch is thrown over the top, 
leaving a "man-hole" in the center. A ventilating tube is here 
inserted. The conducting pipe should extend to the bottom, 
that the discharge may be from below. This secures more 
thorough agitation of the whole mass of the water, leaving no 
portion unaerated and stagnant. The overflow pipe should also 
reach to the bottom and end above ground, and a trap grating 
should be placed over it. In this way the portion of water 
where is the most sediment, is discharged first and the cistern 
becomes self-cleansing. 



Water. 339 

Viola : 

Wells ake Objectionable, 

being liable to contamination from such a variety of sources, 
from under the ground and from the top of the ground. Wells 
are usually dug to a little below the level of the subsoil water, 
and of course drain the soil around for a greater or less dis- 
tance. Consequently, the water becomes impure with foul mat- 
ters from drains, cess-pools, vaults, soil pipes, etc. It matters 
not how bright and even sparkling the water of these wells may 
be, there always hangs over them the suspicion of impurity. 
Falkland says : " Even a chemical analysis cannot discover 
the noxious ingredient or ingredients in water polluted by in- 
fected sewage or animal excretion; and as it cannot thus dis- 
tinguish between infected and non-infected sewage, the only 
perfectly safe course is to avoid altogether the use, for domes- 
tic purposes, of water which has been polluted with excremen- 
titious matter. This is the more to be desired, because there 
is no practicable process known, whereby water once contam- 
inated by infected sewage can be so purified as to render its 
domestic use entirely free from risk." 

Doctor: River water is stored in large reservoirs and allowed 
to stand until deposit takes place, when it is filtered through 
beds of sand and gravel. This water is not free from contami- 
nation even to dangerous extent, in many places, for it receives 
the refuse and sewage of towns, also the drainage from large 
areas of cultivated and uncultivated lands. Springs and small 
streams provide supplies of quite pure water, especially if the 
surroundings are such as forbid pollution from surface washings 
or other sources of impurity. 

Viola: Distribution of water should be closely attended to. 
Water is conveyed by aqueducts and pipes to houses, and the 
plans for easy and immediate removal of dirty water must be 
carefully secured. Conducting pipes are made of earthen-ware, 
masonry, or iron for the large ones; of iron, lead, tin, zinc, cop- 
per, or earthen-ware for the small ones. The best material for 
the large pipes is iron, and iron or non-metallic substances for 
the smaller ones. Lead pipes should not be used, because the 
water takes up a portion of the lead; even pure water does this, 



340 Woman and Health. 

and substances especially corrosive to lead often find their way 
with water, thus insuring double risk. If iron, tin, or zinc is in 
contact with lead, galvanic action is produced, rendering the 
solvent action of the water more marked. Bending lead pipes 
against the grain also increases the risk of solution. Zinc 
pipes, into the composition of which lead often enters, yield 
lead in large quantities. 

Doctor: Cases of lead paralysis are recorded where but one 
one-hundredth of a grain in a gallon of water could be detected- 
Poisoning has also been caused by that amount. And so lead 
pipes should not be used, but wrought or cast iron ones instead. 

Viola: Composition or quality of water is vastly important 
as affecting that used for cooking and drinking and bathing. 
Parkes claims the general character of good water to be "per- 
fect clearness, freedom from odor or taste, coolness, good aeration, 
and at least a certain degree of softness." 

Doctor: These properties are obvious. We take them as our 
standard, and with it test first the well water. Shallow well 
water should be regarded with suspicion, the well being the 
natural point to receive the drainage of considerable surround- 
ing land, and heavy rains will often wash substances into it. 
A shallow well is less than fifty feet deep. In a table given by 
the Rivers' Pollution Commissioners under the head of " Dan- 
gerous," is found classed, "river water to which sewage gains 
access, and shallow well water!' 

Viola: In shallow wells, from four to thirty feet deep, the 
soakage from the ground is often very impure, especially in a 
town and any locality where the surface washings from barn- 
yards, kitchen drains, vaults, and various other sources of con- 
tamination are liable to get into them. 

Says Parkes : " It it shown that a well drains an extent of 
ground about it nearly in the shape of an inverted cone. The 
area must depend on the soil, but experiments show that the 
radius of the area drained is equal to at least four times the 
depth, and that it often exceeds this." 

Prof. Anstead states that the deepest non-artesian well will 
drain a cone which is more than half a mile in radius. We are 
convinced that it is best not to use well water. What have you 
to say of springs? 



Water. 341 

Spring Water 

may be either pure or impure, while the mere fact of its 
being a spring is not, as is often imagined, a surety of goodness. 
The impurities of the water are influenced by the strata through 
which it passes. This is the origin of the different mineral 
springs. Water falling as rain percolates the soil, and thus 
becomes charged with soluble mineral substances which it 
may chance to contain. Thus we get chalybeate, sulphur, saline, 
alkaline, and all the grades and sorts of mineral waters. 

Doctor: River water, as has been said, varies so much in 
composition, it is difficult to decide as to its merits; but the 
general opinion, based on facts and analysis, is that it is very 
suitable for human use. The motion of the water in currents is 
undoubtedly one of nature's purifying devices. It is more 
generally available, perhaps, than water from the other sources, 
except > 

Rain Water. 

The roof offering the surface from which the rain water is 
collected must be washed with rain, and the water excluded 
from the cistern by some device placed in the conducting pipe, 
until the surface is well cleaned and the water is clear, when it 
may be admitted to the cistern. 

Aeration is important in both river and rain water, as simple 
exposure to the air is purifying to some extent. 

Viola: Can impure water be purified? I suppose boiling it 
would destroy much impure matter. Fungous spores are killed 
by.boiling, and much organic matter, as well as mineral, is thus 
got rid of. 

Doctor: Filtering is a means of improving water, and a 
good filter of pure animal charcoal, at first, will completely re- 
move both mineral and organic suspended matters, and even 
bring out water that is discolored, very clear; even dissolved 
organic and mineral matters are removed; but after a time it 
fails to be efficient. Experiments have awakened serious ques- 
tions with reference to the efficacy of filtering, for it was found 
not only that the actioii of the charcoal ceased, allowing matters 
to pass through, but it began to give back some of the organic mat- 



342 Woman and Health. 

terit had removed. Impure water may be improved by boiling, 
agitation, and filtering. I recommend the first. 

"As to diseases caused by impurities in water," says Parkes, 
" it is not possible at present to assign to every impurity in 
water its exact share in the production of disease, or to prove 
the precise influence on the public health of water which is not 
extremely impure ; yet it appears certain that the health of a 
community always improves when an abundant supply of pure 
water is given; and, apart from this actual evidence, we are en- 
titled to conclude from other considerations that abundant and 
good water is a primary hygienic necessity." 



Sunshine. 343 



CHAPTER XXXI. 
SUNSHINE. 

11 1 love the sunshine everywhere, 
In wood, and field, and glen ; 
I love it in the busy haunts 
Of town-imprisoned men. 

" I love it where the children lie 
Deep in the clovery grass, 
To watch among the twining roots 
The gold-green beetle pass. 

" I love it on the breezy sea 
To glance on sail and oar, 
While the great waves, like molten glass, 
Come leaping to the shore. 

" I love it on the mountain tops 
Where lies the stainless snow, 
And half a kingdom bathed in light 
Lies stretching out below. 

" How beautiful on little stream, 
When sun and shade at play 
Make silvery meshes, while the brook 
Goes singing on its way. 

" Oh, yes! I love the sunshine. 
Like kindness, or like mirth 
Upon a human countenance, 
Is sunshine on the earth! 

" Upon the earth, upon the sea, 
And through the crystal air, 
Or piled up cloud, the gracious sun 
Is glorious everywhere." 

Doctor: Who does not love the sunshine? 

Viola; The average American housekeeper, according to 
an editorial in the Chicago Tribune, quoted by Dr. Babbit in 
" Principles of Light and Color," which says : " In this country 
there seems to be an implacable feud between people and the 
sun, the one striving vigorously and even fiercely to get into 
the houses, and the other striving just as fiercely and vigorously 
to keep him out." 



344 Woman and Health. 

Doctor: 

Where there is Sun there is Thought. 

All physiology goes to confirm this. Where is the shady 
side of deep valleys, there is cretinism. Where are cellars and 
the unsunned sides of narrow streets, there is degeneracy and 
weakliness of the human race, mind and body equally degen- 
erating. Put the pale, withering plant in the sun, and if not 
too far gone, each will recover health and spirit. 

Doctor: If mothers knew the value of light to the skin in 
childhood, especially to children of a scrofulous tendency, we 
should have plenty of glass-house nurseries, where children may 
run about in a proper temperature, free of much of that clothing 
which at present seals up the skin, that great supplementary 
lung, to sunlight and oxygen. 

Exclusion from the sun produces the sickly, flabby, pale, 
anaemic condition of the face, and ex-sanguinal, ghost-like 
forms so often seen amongst those not freely exposed to air 
and light. The absence of these essential elements of health 
deteriorates by materially altering the composition of the 
blood, thus seriously prostrating the vital strength, enfeebling 
the nervous energy, and ultimately inducing organic changes 
in the structure of the heart, brain, and muscular tissues. 



Viola . 



Thus were I moved to homage pay, 
Or worship animated force, 

I'd yield it to the King of Day 
Who is of all I see the source." 



Dr. E. Wellman, in Science of Health, 1875, says : "Animal 
organization, any more than the vegetable, cannot be fully and 
properly developed without sunlight in abundance. Animals 
may grow in the shade, but the finer fruits are found only under 
the direct rays of the sun." 

The lower orders of life, the mushrooms, mosses, proto- 
phytes, the slimy worms, loathsome reptiles, predacious animals, 
vicious men, and rickety children, are to be found "seeking 
darkness rather than light;" the well developed, highly 
wrought, vigorous, and normal productions of nature are only 
produced and flourish in the light of day. 



Sunshine. 345 

A tad-pole if deprived of light, instead of progressing into a 
respectable frog, will remain a tad-pole or degenerate into some 
monstrosity; just as we find the rickety and scrofulous, the 
vicious and criminal of our own race, in the dark cellars and 
slums of our cities; dull and stupid, and slimy things, that go 
forth at night to prey upon society. The better qualities of 
human nature are vivacity, sprightliness, hopefulness, cheerful- 
ness, the keenness and nicety of sensation and perception, re- 
finement, love of the beautiful, noble thoughts and pure feelings; 
and these flourish only under the influence of the light of day. 

Since ancient times, sunbeams, torches, lamps, whatever dis- 
pelled darkness, have stood as a symbol of truth for mankind. 
Wonderful advancement has been made within two hundred 
years, in perfecting artificial lights and in utilizing the sun- 
light. And equally wonderful has been the discovery and re- 
ception of truths from the lowest plane of matter to the highest 
plane of mind and spirit. 

"Color, throughout all nature, represents quality; and color 
is created, changed, modified, or improved by sunlight. High 
colors indicate corresponding qualities; delicate shades, deli- 
cate qualities ; coarse tints, coarse qualities ; and these depend 
largely on the amount of sunlight received. The idea is sus- 
tained by reference to animals and vegetables. Dark fruits are 
more strongly flavored ; rich colors indicate rich flavors, etc. 
But of course the constitutional character is the chief exponent 
of colors and qualities; so that to find the influence of sunlight, 
we need to go to fruits or animals of the same stock, and com- 
pare those under the light with those deprived of it. Compare 
fruits raised under the direct influence of the sun's rays; com- 
pare men who move out of doors, and women who stay at home. 
Compare human beings everywhere who remain shut out from 
God's sunlight with those who have it in abundance, and mark 
the difference. Out-door life, which comprises abundant sun- 
shine, is a great panacea for all ills, and a panacea that is cheap 
and easily obtained." 

In like manner, we can say that the quality of truth in one's 
possession gives color to the character. As the quality of one's 
truth is elevated, the change is manifested in gentler feelings, 
clearer thoughts, and kindlier deeds — in an uplifting of the whole 
nature for the good of humanity. 



846 Woman and Health. 



Shelley's "Sun God" says: 

" The sunbeams are my shafts with which I kill 
Deceit, that love the night and fear the day; 
All men who do or even imagine ill 
Fly me, and from the glory of my ray 
Good minds and open actions take new might, 
Until diminished by the reign of night." 



Exercise. 347 



CHAPTER XXXII. 
EXERCISE. 

God and Man. 

" The first physicians by debauch were made. 
Excess began and sloth sustains the trade. 
By chase our long-lived fathers earned their food; 
Toil strung the nerves and purified the blood; 
But we, their sons, a pampered race of men, 
Are dwindled down to three-score years and ten; 
Better to hunt in fields for health unbought, 
Than fee the doctor for a nauseous draught; 
The wise, for cure, on exercise defend; 
God never made His works for man to mend." 

— Dryden. 

Doctor: One of the universal essentials to a perfect state 
of health is acknowledged to be exercise. This is a truth of 
every organ of the body, because each has a special stimulus 
which excites its action, and health results of necessity from 
the normal quantity and quality of this stimulus. 

Viola: Is there not a narrower sense in which the word 
"exercise" is used, one that expresses merely the action of 
voluntary muscles? 

Doctor: Yes, and it is equally necessary here, for all the 
organs are affected by it. The formation and circulation of 
the blood and its use in the system are profoundly influenced 
by the motion of the voluntary muscles, or muscular move- 
ment. Without this there could be no health. 

Viola: Is muscular exercise necessary for a sufficient 
elimination of carbon from the body? 

Doctor: It is true ; and from established facts 

There Flow Certain Rules. 

The action of the lungs must be positively free ; not any im- 
pediment must be offered to the freest play of the chest and 
the action of the respiratory muscles. 



348 Woman and Health. 

Julia: Why should rules be established upon facts which 
can have no bearing on one-half of the human race? It seems 
that women must be excluded from the benefits of exercise, 
because they cannot meet the requirements. 

Look at us, imprisoned in corsets, ligatured about the waist 
with skirt bands, pinched with tight sleeves, tight gloves, tight 
shoes. But I own, like all the rest, I could not give up my 
corsets, though they are never tight, you know, but I could not 
sit up straight without them; they are such a support and 
strength to my weak back and stomach. And yet I hate to 
feel that a simple hygienic rule, which actually bears upon man 
and woman alike, may be to man a source of health and 
strength because he obeys it, while to women must come pen- 
alty in sufferings and weaknesses ; for in disobeying it, she 
finds it impossible to take sufficient exercise. 

Viola: Why not plan woman's dress in reference to these 
facts of the physical organism? Nature does not withhold 
from her the awards of obedience to hygienic law. Why not 
then "obey and live?" 

Doctor: Woman will do this, as her understanding is suf- 
ficiently enlightened upon these matters, and her affections 
brought into harmony with the " sentiments of the useful, the 
really beautiful, the true, and the good." 

Another rule is to allow more food in proportion as the 
amount of exercise is increased, and to decrease the quantity 
as less exercise is taken. The increase of carbon excreted 
during exercise makes an extra demand for food. 

The body seems to demand water with great eagerness 
after severe exertion, and even during exercise, and yet it is 
thought dangerous to drink water then. This is 

A Mistaken Notion. 

The truth is that water is an absolute necessity during and 
after exercise, and, taken in small quantities and frequently, is 
entirely safe, as in that way the too rapid purge of cold water 
into the stomach and blood is obviated. 

Animals, and especially horses, are often made to suffer 
from the erroneous idea that they must be deprived of water 



Exercise. 349 

during exercise. This is all wrong; they may safely be allowed 
to drink frequently, even when very weary and sweating from 
prolonged and hard work. I would now inquire, what are the 
general effects of exercise on the body? 

Viola: It increases oxidation, increases the rapidity of the 
circulation everywhere, as well as the pressure on the vessels. 
Therefore, it causes in all organs a more rapid outflow of 
plasma and absorption, in other words, a quicker renewal. 

In this way, also, the products of action which accumulate 
in organs are removed. And the power of action in the various 
parts of the body is restored. It increases the outflow of 
warmth from the body by increasing perspiration; therefore, 
oxidation strengthens all parts. 

The amount of exercise which a man or woman should take 
is scarcely to be determined; yet I have seen it stated some- 
where that the amount of work which should be accomplished 
daily by a healthy person is estimated as equivalent to a walk 
of about nine miles. 

Of course, in the ordinary business of life, it is not possible 
to lay down rules to meet all cases; but any one may fix about 
the necessary amount of work with tolerable accuracy. 

Viola: There is a class of persons who, by specific exer- 
cises, develop their muscular powers to a very high degree. 
Allow me to read this from Parkes : "The aim of the trainer 
is to increase breathing power; to make the muscular action 
more vigorous and enduring, and to lessen the amount of fat. 
He arrives at this by a careful diet, by regular and systematic 
exercise, and by increasing the action of the eliminating organs, 
especially the skin. What the trainer thus accomplishes is in 
essence the following : ' A concordant action is established 
between the heart and blood-vessels, so that the strong action 
of the heart during exercise is met by a more perfect dilata- 
tion, and there is no blockage of the flow of blood. In the 
lungs, the blood not only passes more freely, but the amount 
of oxygen is increased, and the gradual improvement in breath- 
ing power is well seen, for instance in horses, when watched 
during training. 

This reciprocal action between heart and blood-vessels is 
the most important point in training. The nutrition of the 



350 Woman and Health. 

nerves and muscular fibers improves from constant action and 
the proper supply of suitable food ; the tissue changes are 
more active, and elimination, especially of carbon, increases, 
and a higher degree of health ensues." 

Doctor: To a great extent every individual may be a trainer, 
and should be. 



Sleep. 351 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

SLEEP. 

Doctor: How may the too rapid expenditure of vital force 
be prevented? 

Viola: By a condition which takes place in every animal 
of a perfect kind — sleep. 

Julia: Even plants sleep. How the little leaves and flow- 
ers fold themselves up and go to sleep. It is said that " every 
hour in the day has some plant which then shuts itself up, and 
on this, is founded what is called the plant dial." And do not 
the trees sleep all winter? 

Doctor: A philosopher has said: "Take from man hope 
and sleep, and he will be the most wretched being on earth." 
Nothing can compensate for the want of sufficient sleep. How 
old and energyless we feel, incapacitated for work or play, when 
sleep is denied! What do you learn of the physical effects of 
sleep? Consult Hufeland. 

Viola: It retards all the vital movements, collects the vital 
power, and restores what has been lost during the day; it sepa- 
rates from us what is useless and pernicious. It is, as it were, 
a daily crisis, during which all secretions are performed in the 
greatest tranquillity, and with the utmost perfection. 

Continued Wakefulness 

unites all the properties destructive of life; incessant wasting 
of the vital power and of the organs, acceleration of consump- 
tion and prevention of restoration. 

Julia: How many hours is it necessary to sleep? I often 
wish it were not a requirement of nature that we should sleep at 
all, for it seems like so much waste of time, and to go to bed 
before midnight is perfectly awful. Just the time everybody is 
in the height of enjoyment, and one feels so stimulated and 
bright then. I am so glad the customs of society forbid the 



352 Woman and Health. 

adoption of Wesley's motto, "To go early to bed and early to 
rise," even if we do fail to become "healthy and wealthy and 
wise." One thing, if you feel languid you can sleep in the day- 
time, and that answers just as well, for it makes no difference 
when you sleep. 

Doctor: Not less than eight hours' sleep is a good average 
for adults; children need more, and the early part of the night 
is best for sleep. I have often said that if a go-to-bed-early rule 
could be enforced throughout all Christendom there would fol- 
low such marvelous improvement in health, such security from 
the invasion of evils which now infest society like birds of the 
night, that millennium would be declared right now. Only 
think of "a whole city full" of people asleep by nine o'clock! 
What a great reformation this would be, at the same time so 
peacefully revolutionary. " The value of sleep to brain-workers 
cannot be exaggerated. In a recent lecture Dr. Malins, a famous 
English physician, said that the brain requires twelve hours of 
sleep at four years old, gradually diminishing by hours and half 
hours to ten at fourteen, thence to eight hours when the body is 
full grown and formed. Goethe, in his most active productive 
period, needed nine hours, and took them; Kant — the most la- 
borious of students — was strict in never taking less than seven. 
Nor does it appear that those who have systematically tried to 
cheat nature of this chief right have been, in any sense, gainers 
of time for their work. It may be a paradox, but it is not the 
less a truth, that what is given to sleep is gained to labor." 

Viola: Huf eland says: " Many believe that it is entirely the 
same if one sleeps either in the night or the day-time. People 
give themselves up, therefore, at night as long as they think 
proper, either to study or pleasure, and imagine that they make 
everything even when they sleep in the forenoon those hours 
which they sat up after midnight. But I must request every 
one who regards his health to beware of so seducing an error. 
It is certainly not the same whether one sleeps eight hours by 
day or by night; and two hours' sound sleep before midnight 
is of more benefit to the body than four hours' in the day. 
My reasons are as follows: That period of twenty-four hours, 
formed by the regular revolution of our earth, in which all its 
inhabitants partake, is particularly distinguished in the physica* 



Sleep. 353 

economy of man. This regular period is apparent in all dis- 
eases; and all the other small periods, so wonderful in our phys- 
ical history, are by it in reality determined. It is, as it were, 
the unity of our natural chronology. Now, it is observed that 
the more the end of these periods coincides with the conclusion 
of the day the more is the pulsation accelerated; and a feverish 
state is produced, or the so-called evening fever, to which every 
man is subject. The accession of new chyle to the blood may, 
in all probability, contribute something towards this fever, 
though it is not the only cause, for we find it in sick persons 
who have neither eaten nor drunk. It is more owing, without 
doubt, to the absence of the sun, and to that revolution in the 
atmosphere which is connected with it. This evening fever is 
the reason why nervous persons find themselves more fit for 
labor at night than during the day. To become active, they 
must first have an artificial stimulus, and the evening fever sup- 
plies the place of wine. But, one may easily perceive that this 
is an unnatural state, and the consequences are the same as 
those of every simple fever: lassitude, sleep, and a crisis by the 
perspiration which takes place during that sleep." 

Therefore, it may be said with propriety that all men every 
night have a critical perspiration, more perceptible in some 
and less so in others, by which whatever useless or pernicious 
particles have been imbibed by our bodies, or created in them, 
during the day, are secreted and removed. This 

Daily Crisis 

necessary to every man is particularly requisite for his sup- 
port, and the proper period of it is when the fever has attained 
to its highest degree, that is, the period when the sun is in the 
nadir, consequently midnight. 

What do those, then, who disobey this voice of nature which 
calls for rest at the above period, and who employ this fever, 
which should be the means of secreting and purifying our 
juices, to enable them to increase their activity and exertion? 

By neglecting the critical period, they destroy the whole 
crisis of so much importance; and, though they go to bed 
towards morning, cannot certainly obtain, on that account, the 
23 



354 Woman a?id Health. 

full benefit of sleep, as the critical period is past. They will 
never have a perfect, but an imperfect crisis; and what that 
means is well known to physicians. Their bodies also will 
never be completely purified. How clearly is this proved by 
the infirmities, rheumatic pains, and swelled feet, the unavoid- 
able consequences of such lucubration. 

The necessity of wholesome sleep cannot be made too em- 
phatic, so that all the essential means for its attainment will 
bear repetition. During the day we digest and elaborate the 
materials of nutrition; but assimilation, the formation of tissue, 
only takes place during sleep, when the external senses are in 
repose. Dietetic and other habits influence the quantity and 
quality of sleep. Gross, indigestible, and stimulating, food 
heavy or late suppers, etc., necessitate a longer time in bed, for 
the reason that the sleep is less sound. And for the same 
reason, nervine and stimulating beverages, as tea and coffee, 
prevent sound and refreshing sleep, and thus wear out the brain 
and nervous system prematurely. Those who are inclined to 
be restless, vapory, or dreamy during the night, should take no 
supper, or a light, early one. 

Repose is necessary for our muscles and organs, and that 
can only be obtained during sleep. Even that constant, ever- 
throbbing, hollow muscle, the heart, gets a rest; it beats more 
slowly, and the body lying horizontally, less force is required 
to keep it beating. The force saved is used to repair other 
parts. 

Sleep should be taken early in the night if possible; thus 
we do away with the bad effects of artificially lighted rooms. 
There is another reason, and that is, the earth goes through 
some magnetic wave, beginning at nine at night and ending 
about three in the morning. The eyes suffer more if used in 
artificial light, and one who labors at night will go through a 
whole summer in this way, which is not necessary for those who 
employ the morning. 

It seldom occurs to us that a great part of our lives is spent 
in the bed-chamber; there is nowhere we remain so long, and 
hence the necessity of having that apartment very free from 
any unhealthful influence. It must be clean, well ventilated, 
capable of admitting sunshine, and warm enough to be free from 



Sleep. 355 

chilling dampness at all times; beds aired every morning, win- 
dows thrown open wide, and the bedding distributed all about 
the room for an hour or two. Exposing bed and covers to 
direct sun rays gives them a sweet odor, very delicious indeed, 
and promotive of quiet rest and sleep. Night-clothes must be 
subjected to a daily airing, and never rolled up and placed 
under the pillow, but hung in an airy place for the day. The 
night vase must be always covered when in use, and when the 
cover is lifted, place it on the floor top down. Observe this 
habit, for the evaporation of bodily excretions poisons the at- 
mosphere, and hence engenders disease. Lie quite flat in bed, 
head very little raised, on a hair pillow. 

Jidia: Huf eland further says: "And, lastly, those who 
spend the night in labor, and the morning in sleep, lose that 
time which is the most beautiful and the best fitted for labor. 
After every sleep we are renovated in the properest sense of 
the word; we are, in the morning, always taller than at night; 
while at night our bodies are drier and more exhausted, and 
the properties of old age then prevail. One, therefore, may 
consider each day as a sketch in miniature of human life, in 
which the 

Morning Represents Youth; 

noon, manhood; and evening, old age. Who, then, would not 
employ the youthful part of .each day for labor, rather than 
begin his work in the evening, the period of old age and debil- 
ity? In the morning all nature appears freshest and most 
engaging; the mind at that period is also clearest, and pos- 
sesses most strength and energy. It is not, as at night, worn 
out and rendered unequal by the multifarious impressions of 
the day, by business and fatigue; it is then more original, 
and possesses its natural powers. This is the period of new 
mental creation, of clear conception, and exalted ideas. Never 
does man enjoy the sensation of his own existence so purely 
and in so great perfection as in a beautiful morning. He who 
neglects this period neglects the youth of his life." 

Viola: "The early morning is representative of a state of 
peace and innocence; for a state of peace in heaven is like the 
state of the world when the day is dawning. The night is 



356 Woman and Health. 

past; the light is gilding every object; the dew or frost is spark- 
ling, and man rises, fresh, strong, and vigorous, to the life of a 
new day." 

It is a law of the spirit that the first state enters into all 
succeeding ones, so while we are fresh, recreated, as it were, 
after the state of passivity, it is best on all planes of life to be- 
gin work early in the morning. 

" God has set 
Labor and rest, as day and night, to men — 
Successive." 



Open Session: Something About Many Things. 357 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

OPEN SESSION: SOMETHING ABOUT MANY THINGS. 

Doctor: We often say a "scrap dinner" is the most enjoy- 
able one of the week. Such is the character of our to-day's 
lesson. 

Sick Headache 

first claiming attention. Sick -headache, biliousness, bad 
breath, bad taste in the mouth, etc., belong to one family of 
gastric complaints, very easily overcome through right means, 
and as surely fastened upon the constitution by means wholly 
at variance with the interests of the vital domain, as are drug 
remedies and continuance in unphysiological habits of living. 
Not to go into detail, I will say that a case of sick headache, 
biliousness, etc., may be treated successfully without a particle 
of drug medicine. 

Hot foot-bath first, then free drinking of hot water, full 
enema, and lie down with fomenter over liver and stomach, 
and either hot or cold cloth to head, whichever is the more 
agreeable. The main effort is to get rid of an offending pres- 
ence, hence assist the system in its effort to establish health. 
Two meals a day, simple hygienic living, and obedience to 
the laws of life will insure against this unwelcome disorder. 
In a word, "pure living and high thinking" contain great pos- 
sibilities. 

Viola: Malaria 

has become so prevalent, everybody is affected. What is 
malaria? 

Doctor: Poison, no doubt; and that is enough for us to 
know for all practical purposes. 

Would you cure it by adding " more of the same sort?" A 
case of malarial fever may be successfully treated by the same 



358 Woman and Health. 

course pursued in typhoid fever. As to the malarial habit. It 
is simply a case of slow poisoning, to the end of a long chapter 
of chronic afflictions. 

Purify, invigorate, live out of and above malarial conditions, 
whether mental or physical. Persons go about as walking 
marshes giving off malaria. Their minds full of malarious 
thought, their bodies must respond accordingly. 

Let such welcome the sunshine, and all of nature's kindly 
forces. Malaria will have no influence on a system well forti- 
fied with good blood and nerve-force. 

It is now ascertained that the white blood corpuscles when 
in health have the power to overcome bacteria; corpuscles are 
like warriors, and become conquerors over the enemy.* So it 
would follow that our first aim should be to preserve the vital 
organism in its integrity, and let the powers within have free, 
unobstructed play. 

Miss Anna R.: I came to the open session on my crutch, 
my sprained ankle gets no better. The curve in my spine 
actually increases. I have been encased in a plaster jacket for 
months at a time, during the last five years. I long for relief. 

Doctor: Long for enlightenment, dear girl. Your spinal 
trouble began as mere weakness. Muscles on one side the 
spinal column were not able to resist the action of stronger 
ones on the other side, and so the vertebral pile bent in direc- 
tion of the stronger— and a curve resulted. Now, what but to 
tone up the whole system, and give special attention to weaker 
parts, bringing about harmony? 

Miss Anna R. : Oh, I understand. How useless, then, the 
tortures endured under treatment by jackets, electricity, stretch- 
ings, scarifyings, etc. How can these measures strengthen the 
weak muscles or help the general system? I ask. And my 
poor ankle — 

Doctor: " Never too late to mend." The sprain is now cap- 
able of being overcome to great extent, if *iot wholly. Treat 
it as though a recent sprain. Put the foot in hot water, hold it 

* The Cellulo-Microbian Warfare.— M. Metschinkoff has made researches on 
transparent animals, and announces that the white corpuscles of the blood combat in- 
jurious microbes that invade the system. As long as the body is in health they are suc- 
cessful in the contest, but if their vigor is impaired then disease is rampant. Our stand_ 
ing army of protective cells he calls "microphogi" and "macrophogi." 



Open Session: Something About Many Things. 359 

there three minutes, then dip it in cold water — several times, 
again place it in hot water for two minutes, when dip in cold, 
and rub well while holding it under cold water. Continue these 
alternate hot and cold applications for fifteen or twenty minutes. 
Rub well dry, and wrap in a linen cloth wrung from cold water. 
Cover it with dry flannel. Two or three times a day, give this 
attention to the afflicted member. 

At bed-time, after the hot bath, wrap in the compress and 
let it remain during night. Friction to adjacent parts, and light 
strokes over those most affected, are useful. And know that 
the healing power within is your hope. Relate yourself rightly 
to the uplifting forces, and think oi power, not lack of it. Just 
as in a bump or hurt of any kind. See the effect of petting an 
ill, when a child tumbles and gets bruised. Treat it as of no 
consequence, and child soon becomes happy and the hurt goes; 
but impress that child with the feeling of great injury, and 
results follow in accord with the impression. 

Hot water applied to bruises and sprains as a physical 
measure, then assurance that " all will be well " meets almost 
any such exigency. 

Even lumbago, that torment to the back of even stout 
people, will yield to applications of heat, and to brisk friction. 
When it becomes chronic, of course, more persistent hygienic 
measures are essential to a cure; but for one to sit down and 
give up the ghost of a chance for recovery from lumbago is 
deliberately choosing ill rather than good. This is a species of 
rheumatism, and will be cured by curative natural means and 
trust in God, quite beyond present expectation. 

Says Dr. Robert Walter: "To be successful, either as phy- 
sicians or patients, we must constantly revert to the principle 
that it is nature that cures. This is the only way to a correct 
faith; and faith is one of the most important agencies in the 
cure of the sick. It is at the bottom of all remedial efforts or 
appliances. Whoever believes he is going to die, is surely in 
the road toward death; while he who believes he is going to 
get well, is equipped with a mighty power and will do vigorous 
battle. 

" But our faith must be in nature and in nature's God. If we 
place our reliance in our works, we will be sure to overdo; but 



360 Woman and Health. 

if in nature, it will give us that patience that is so necessary to 
success. As long as we place our hope in drugs, we will con- 
tinue to poison ourselves until recovery becomes impossible; if 
we believe in water as the great cure-all, we are liable to be 
drowned out with water; if diet is going to cure us, we may 
diet ourselves into the minutest shade of a shadow, and pass 
out of existence just as we suppose that health is about to 
perch upon our standard; if air or sunlight, or exercise or rest 
is the basis of our faith, we may stretch our lungs to the 
capacity of a balloon, or roast in the beams of old Sol, or pass 
our days in the stupor of inactivity; whatever we do, excess of 
effort will characterize our attempts as long as we have faith 
in our works. The wise preacher exhorts the sinner to have 
faith in God, and throw away his own righteousness as filthy 
rags; so the wise physician will instruct his patient to have 
faith in his own recuperative powers, while the treatment given 
is worthless without these powers. 

" ' But faith without works is dead.' No man need hope to 
recover who is not in the way of health. While he indulges 
bad habits, follows evil methods, or lives in listless idleness 
without reference to the propriety of his course, he may con- 
sider his faith to be dead indeed. As it is not the hopeless 
invalid that recovers, so it is not the careless one. To work 
and to wait is the Alpha and Omega of hygienic treatment. 
Fingering the pulse, examining the tongue, and writing a pre- 
scription in dead Latin is not sufficient to cure sick pe©ple. 
Something more is required on the part of every skillful prac- 
titioner, and more still on the part of each patient. 

" Hygienic treatment is a successful process; it is a practical 
application of sound principles, requiring strength of will, deter- 
mination, energy on the part of the physician; and it is a self- 
denying effort on the part of the patient, such an effort as 
must develop in him all the better and nobler qualities of 
character. 

"And waiting is quite as important as working. After the 
physician has done all that can be done, the patient is yet in 
difficulty if not in danger. The vital powers have not had time 
to restore normal conditions; there is nothing to do but to wait. 
Banish long faces, discontent, and murmuring; speak cheer- 



Open Session: Something About Many Things. 361 

fully and hopefully; observe quiet and freedom from anxiety; 
allow no croakers or timid persons about, but cultivate a spirit 
of self-helpfulness and self-respect. Because a patient is weak, 
do not feed him on brandy; because he is nervous, do not give 
arsenic or quinine; because he is irritable or sleepless, do not 
give him anodynes; if his bowels are torpid, there is no need 
of tearing them with drastic purgatives; no need of feeding 
him with calomel or any other abomination. 

" Nature is sufficient to her own needs, all that is to be done 
is to supply her with what she wants and let her alone. She 
never asks poisons, but only pure air and water, sunlight, good 
food, rest, sleep, exercise, etc., in such manner and degree as 
she can use." 

Viola: The ladies may infer that you would never have 
them call physicians. 

Doctor: Oh, no. Do not discard the physician who does 
the best he can for you. He answers your demand. When 
you would do better than shut your eyes, and swallow, and 
even insist upon swallowing, your good doctor will be happy, 
perhaps turn surgeon, and let you become wise in ways that 
will not only prevent sickness, but cure it, also. 

Julia: Speaking of surgery, I wonder why doctors have 
such a passion for cutting us all to pieces these days? It is a 
fashion. Ladies think they have not done quite all that is re- 
quired to immortalize themselves, unless they can relate an 
experience of cutting and bloody horror, which was enforced 
upon them by their medical attendant. 

Viola: So high authority as Dr. J. J. Garth Wilkinson says: 
"A sacred condition of surgery is that it be really the last 
resort of treatment; the ultima ratio after every other means 
has been exhausted. 

"The knife-man and the trephine-man is the executioner in 
disease; woe be to him in the long-run if his verdict and his 
axe and block precede a fair trial. This means that he must 
be able and willing to employ every method first, before pro- 
ceeding to operation. Be the means orthodox or heterodox, 
loved or hated in his clique, he is bound to know them, to have 
learned their experience not in the school of pooh-poohing, 
to dare to command their trial, and to wait upon its results. 



362 Woman and Health. 

The whole circle of things that promise or gain any success in 
healing without operation, must be acceptable and welcome to 
him. In short, his knife must be regarded by himself as a 
melancholy autocrat, which every executioner ought to be; but 
the way to him barred by all the gentle and merciful arts of 
Medical Religion; and the plea and practice of every one of 
these must be entertained and tried before any one's flesh and 
blood are given over to the steel Shylock." 

Doctor: In the present disorderly state of society, surgery 
has not undergone regeneration, and we find the knife "march- 
ing to battle against the body " amid noise and glare of daring 
feat and proud attainment by unquestioned — experimenters; 
and no remarks are in place, whatever the result. 

But this state of things is not enduring, and will pass away 
as medicine parts company with superstitious love of mys- 
tery, and ceases to enjoin " closure of the eyes and ears " to 
the attractions and voice of reason and nature. Surgery is 
beneficent, in its place. 

Julia: What of patent nostrums which take the place of 
regular medicines, and save doctor bills? 

Doctor: They are wholly inadmissible. If it is desirable to 
take drugs, let it be done under advice and direction of a good 
physician. Such an one knows what is suitable under his 
methods, and is responsible. The patent medicine assumes 
no responsibility. Life is too precious to be thus tampered 
with. 

Mrs. Mann: Why do people take medicine? I ask. 

Doctor: Dr. Crofts, in the British Quarterly Review, ex- 
plains: 

" It is to be feared, that, to most people, medicine is not an 
erudite science, or a learned art, but is little more than the com- 
monplace administration of physic. They cannot understand 
medicine without drugs, and its virtue and power are popularly 
measured by the violence of its operations. Its very name is, 
in ordinary parlance, synonymous with physic. Take from it 
pills and potions, and for them you take away its whole art and 
mystery. They do not believe in a scheme of treatment, how- 
ever deep-laid and skillful, which does not include a certain 
statutory dosage; so that, as a rule, medical men are practically 



Open Session: Something About Many Things. 363 

compelled to give their patients a visible object of faith in some 
form of physic, which may be at most designed to effect some 
very subordinate purpose. And it is remarkable how strongly, 
even among the educated classes, this feeling prevails. Cure 
by the administration of mixtures and boluses is so fixed and 
ancient a tradition, that it is only very slowly that the world 
will give it up. The anxiety of the friends of the patient 
wants to do more than follow the simple directions of ' nurs- 
ing,' which have been so carefully inculcated, and possess, 
apparently, so little remedial power. There is nothing of the 
unknown about them in which a fluttering hope of great ad- 
vantage can nestle. Thus it is necessary to educate the world 
into a belief in medicine apart from drugs, which finds its 
power of curing in adaptations of the common conditions of 
life, and applications of physiological facts, — a medicine which 
takes into its hands the whole life, and orders and fashions 
its every detail with scientific definiteness. It is found in 
every-day practice that this popular misunderstanding of the 
modern spirit of medicine constantly checks the little tenta- 
tive advances of a more scientific treatment, and it is necessary 
that it should be generally understood how powerfully the va- 
rious processes of the economy may be effected by the manip- 
ulation of the conditions of common life." 

But these are encouraging words from the Medical World, 
of New York: 

"The time is fast approaching when hygienic and pre- 
ventive medicine must supersede in great degree the methods 
of the old healing art. Less credit given to drugs results in 
greater reliance on measures that render them unnecessary. 
And thus a knowledge of limitation becomes an increase of 
power." 

Miss R.: I think Joey Hayard would be a girl " after your 
own heart." I find this in an old Atlantic Monthly: 

"Joey Hayard lived across the bay, in the town of Nether- 
by — a shy but saucy bit of maidenhood, some twenty summers 
old. The doctor's steps were bent toward Joey's house, as it 
was to her mother, an old townswoman, he had been sum- 
moned; he was late, and perhaps he had been misled, and so 
Joey had been sent after him. 



364 Woman and Health. 

"The doctor first met her as she was coming down the hill, 
and asked her, ' Can you tell me where I may find the Widow 
Hayard's house? ' 

11 'Are you the doctor? ' 

11 'Yes,' was the reply. 'Are you looking for me? ' 

"'Yes, I am Joey Hayard.' 

"'So I thought. Mrs. Hayard is ill, I hear.' 

"'Mother's about as usual. Only she heard you were in 
town and thought she'd like to see you. Mother's from your 
place, sir. People from your place,' said Joey, with a fright- 
ened look aside, at her own audacity, 'think you made them!' 

"'You don't think so, Miss Joey,' said the doctor. 

"'Oh, no, no! I think you made their diseases. When I 
practice — ' 

" l Well, my little rival — ' 

" ' I shall leave phials of cold water — twenty drops every 
eight hours — to be measured precisely, as twenty-five drops 
would occasion spasms. All my patients would get well.' 

" 'You would starve to death, Dr. Joey.' 

"'No, indeed,' answered Joey, having surveyed the doctor, 
and collected a heart full of courage. ' The College of Surgeons 
would come to me, and they would say: ' " Now, Dr. Joey, really, 
this will never do. Here we had quite an interesting region of 
aches and ills, — typhoid had the run of it, all the influenzas 
settled into charming consumptions, all the indigestions became 
gastric fevers, every pain in the side grew to pleurisy, — and you 
came and brought chaos into our order, and ruined the apothe- 
caries, and beggared the grave-diggers, and have got things to 
such a pass that all the rest of the world have to stay fifteen 
days in quarantine before they come into Netherby. Such a 
state of health positively vulgarizes a community. Isn't it 
time, we ask you, that senna, and manna, and colchicum, and 
nauseousness had their turn? You really must feel the fatigue 
of such a work; and now — what will you take to retire?" ' 

" ' Very well, Dr. Joey. As a brother physician may I request 
your treatment of a bad headache?' 

" 'I go to sleep without my supper,' said Joey. 

" 'And if it does not answer? ' 

" ' Forego my breakfast.' 



Open Session: Something About Many Things. 365 

'"That failing?' 

u< Dinner remains to be sacrificed, sir. Ah, sir, — I suppose 
you think one may as well die by the sword as the famine! 
Then I should send for you.' " 

Julia: Joey's giving up eating while suffering from head- 
ache reminds me of what Dr. T. R. Allinson, L. R. C. P., etc., 
says of 

The Food Cure. 

" The food cure of diseases has attracted the attention of 
all who have professed the healing art from all ages. In the 
early days of physic, before the body had been dissected, and 
before the chemistry of the tissues had been worked out, food, 
exercise, and bathing were the only remedies known. Now, 
though we know a great deal more of the actual state of affairs, 
yet our curative statistics are little more advanced than they 
were in those days. We may be able to remove a limb with 
greater expedition and practically without pain, and our oper- 
ative modes are made simpler and more certain, yet in the pure 
cure of disease we are very little forward. 

" Mankind has run after specifics for every ailment, and 
never thought of the cause of it: the result is that for every 
ailment there are numerous remedies, none of which are of any 
use. By running the gauntlet of these remedies on a disease, 
time is lost — if not the patient, too — and the medical man, being 
on the wrong track, does not find out his mistake. An old 
doctor said, ' When he began practice he had twenty remedies 
for every disease, when he finished he had twenty diseases and 
no remedy.' This search after specifics for every disease mis- 
leads and deludes the physician, and only after a life spent in 
weary research does he find out his error and repent his want 
of knowledge sooner. 

11 By the diet cure we first try and find out what is wrong, 
and remedy it. If too much food or food of the wrong kind 
has been used, we recommend less in quantity or correct the 
error in kind. Then, by means of baths and exercise, we 
remove the waste material already in the system, and so start 
it going again. We can prove from certain data that at least 
seven-tenths of our ailments and diseases are produced by our 



366 Woman and Health. 

food being improper either in quantity or quality. The proba- 
bility of our taking too little food is rare, as the system soon 
makes its wants known. But the taking of too much food is 
one of the commonest errors which we are acquainted with; 
the many sauces and spices, the flavors and condiments, and 
the art of cookery make eating such a pleasure that we hardly 
ever know when to cry ' hold' at the right moment. All our 
feeding circumstances are such as to cause us to eat more than 
is good for us. Suppose we eat the right kind of food, but 
take too much in quantity only, then we tax our excretory 
organs unnecessarily and wear out before our time. The ex- 
cessive aliment may remain in the system as fat, we become 
stout, the vital organs become burdened with it, we become 
less active, and life does not go on so happily as it should. If 
we load our systems with wrong kinds of food, or with too 
large a quantity of proper food, then disease is set up. Super- 
abundant carbonaceous foods may give rise to obesity, certain 
forms of calculi, and even pains of a rheumatic kind; while 
excess of nitrogenous foods gives rise to rheumatism, gout, 
biliary and vesical calculi, and like diseases. The kidneys 
become blocked up, the heart's action is increased, the lungs 
get overworked, and the whole system has to exert itself to 
get rid of waste material. The system can only rid itself of a 
certain amount daily; when too much food is taken the super- 
fluous material accumulates in the system. Some slight cause, 
as a chill or exposure to a draught, sets up diseased action, and 
the natural balance of healthy action is upset. The appetite 
fails, a feverish state is induced, and the system gets rid of its 
waste material by a profuse perspiration or purgation, and 
order is once more restored. In some cases the diseased con- 
dition is kept up, and the disease becomes chronic. 

"A flesh diet has more tendency, all things being equal, 
to produce disease than a non-flesh one. Man is best fitted 
structurally for a vegetable diet. If we eat flesh we must 
suffer; the more flesh we consume the more disease must we 
have. Flesh is too thoroughly digested in man, the stomach 
having nearly all the work of digestion to do; hence the number 
of cases of indigestion, dyspepsia, catarrh of the stomach and 
bowels, and even acute inflammation, amongst mixed feeders, 



Open Session: Something About Many Things. 367 

over the vegetarian. The flesh once in the system then taxes 
the excretory organs to get rid of it; the liver, kidneys, lungs, 
and skin become overworked and diseased in consequence. If 
the flesh is continued in, these organs cannot get through the 
work imposed on them, and the waste material is retained in 
the system. This gives rise to gout and rheumatism, biliary 
and vesical calculi; kidney diseases are generated; the blood- 
vessels become degenerated, and apoplexy may result. Minor 
results may follow — as eczema, congestion of the liver, etc.; 
wounds heal slowly, and in the lower limbs chronic ulcers may 
form. 

"This waste material in the system favors the attacks of 
zymotic or contagious diseases. These complaints are more 
common than need be, and always attack the ill-conditioned. 
Cancer, consumption, and other fatal diseases are more rife 
than need be, and we sink into an early grave." 

Mrs. Mann: Food reform and drink reform go hand in 
hand; and medical reform underlies the whole. How, in the 
face of such evidence as is given by scientific experiment at this 
day, any lay person even, to say nothing of the physician, can 
look favorably upon the use of alcohol in any form, is a mys- 
tery. The London Alliance News has this little gem bearing 
upon the use of alcohol: 

" Dr. Ridge took bacteria, putting some into glasses of cold 
water and a certain quantity of alcohol. He found that 
the alcohol greatly assisted the growth of the bacteria. 

"The action of bacteria upon the tissues is of a very de- 
structive nature, and not constructive; and alcohol is of the 
series of destructive agents, and aids the action of bacteria. 

"So when a man exposed to the infection of typhus fever 
or cholera takes a little brandy, instead of the alcohol enabling 
him better to resist the infection, it actually prepares the soil 
for the development of the dangerous organisms." 

Julia: Let me read this from the New York Graphic: 

A Medical Catechism. 

''Patient: Now, doctor, how would you define ' medical 
science '? 



368 Woman and Health. 

"Doctor: Well, medical science sometimes consists in mak- 
ing a person think he's very sick when he isn't, and at other 
times it tells people there isn't much the matter with them 
when they are half dead. Sometimes all this depends on the 
size of the patient's pocket-book. That in medicine is a very 
important and vital organ. The great aim, however, in my 
experience, is to have as many folks sick as possible, and to 
keep them sick. 

"Patient: What is your idea as to the naming of diseases? 

"Doctor: To change the name at least once in ten years. 

"Patient: Why? 

"Doctor: Because old names, such as 'croup,' 'lung fever,' 
etc., get too common. People are too apt to find out how to 
treat such diseases themselves. But when we clap a Latin 
name on the old complaint it mystifies the public, scares them, 
and sets them all adrift again. There'd be millions of dollars 
lost to the medical profession if we didn't change the names of 
our complaints occasionally. 

"Patient: Suppose a well-to-do person is a little out of sorts, 
and comes to you with the idea that something very serious is 
the matter with him, what will you do? 

"Doctor: This affords me some of my best-paying practice. 
In such cases I 'break up the disease.' I tell him that he is 
seriously threatened with something awful in Greek or Latin, 
composed of two words, seven or eight syllables, and one 
hyphen. Then I put him on a course of harmless drugs, to be 
taken at regular intervals of two hours. I put him also on a 
strict system of diet, and keep him in bed. It requires about 
a week to 'break up the disease.' Such prevention is better 
than immediate cure. It pays better, too. 

"Patient: When you are called in, and are yourself uncer- 
tain as to the nature of the patient's sickness, what do you say 
to his inquiring friends or family? 

"Doctor: The proper course in all such cases is to look wise 
and grave, and say as little as possible. We leave some medi- 
cine, of course. How can one be a doctor unless he always 
gives medicine? The medicine quiets the patient's mind and 
those of his friends. Patients, to tell the truth, are as bad as 
the doctors in this respect. They will insist on having some 



Open Session: Something About Many Things. 369 

medicine when they do not need it. But it never pays for a 
doctor to talk much. 

"Patient: If you are called in after the sick person has been 
for several days previous in the care of another physician, and 
the patient dies, what is your course? 

"Doctor: Invariably to regret to particular friends, in a sub- 
dued manner, at the proper times and places, that I had not 
been called in before the disease had made such headway. 

"Patient: Do you not think in many cases of sickness that 
nature, aided by plenty of rest and good nursing, would effect 
a cure? 

"Doctor: We do not encourage nature in such practices. It 
would ruin the profession. 

"Patieiit: Now, if you treat a patient for you don't exactly 
know what, and he recovers, don't you take all the credit for 
such recovery? 

"Doctor: Sir, that is a professional secret. 

"Patie7it: Can you tell me, doctor, why it is that an expen- 
sive office, a horse and carriage, and a residence in the fashion- 
able quarter, are practically considered as of as much, if not 
more, importance to a doctor than his skill or experience in 
his art, and that a doctor without the capital to set himself up 
in this manner, be his skill ever so great, can never hope to 
obtain a fashionable practice? 

"Doctor: Certainly I can. It's custom and stupidity. But 
stupidity makes money for us. Are we going to try and cure 
stupidity — kill the goose that lays for us golden eggs? Never! 

"Patient: Who are the most permanent and lucrative pa- 
tients? 

"Doctor: Women. 

"Patient: Why? 

"Doctor: Well, I think sometimes they had rather be sick 
and under a doctor's supervision than not. Another reason is, 
they are more perverse than men in clinging to the causes of 
their ailments. A man better realizes that without health he 
cannot carry on his business. So that when he finds out the 
cause of disease he'll set to work to stop it. Tell a man he 
needs more fresh air, and he'll try and get it. Tell him he 
needs more out-door exercise, and he'll try and take it. But 
24 



370 Womati and Health. 

most women won't. They squeeze themselves into corsets, 
and insist on being cured of ills caused by corsets with pills. 
They'll go out in cold, damp weather, in costumes which show 
off their figures and without cloaks, when the cold drives all 
the blood from their skin, for hours. They'll insist on being 
cured by doctors and pills. They'll wear tight shoes, which 
deform and pain their feet, and this pain drawing indirectly 
from their strength — they'll insist on being cured with more 
pills. Nor is this all. But I shall tell no more. It is giving 
the 'profession' away. These things involve our most lucra- 
tive secrets. I shan't be thanked now by thousands of brother 
nurses of disease for what I have told." 

Mrs. B.: I want to know what disease is, and how to care 
for my children, how to treat their ailments without having to 
send for the doctor; so many little ones die even under the 
care of physicians, it comes to me now, having buried four 
precious children, that mothers, if rightly informed, may be 
physician to their own little ones. 

Viola: I have something just to the point, by Z. P. Glass, 
M. D., entitled 

"What is Disease? 

" Webster and Worcester say, first, lack of ease, uneasy, 
distress, trouble. Dr. Watson, in his Practice of Physic, when 
speaking on this subject, giving his lectures to students, says: 
1 1 wish you to get into the habit of contemplating the whole 
science of medicine under its simplest and plainest form.' 
Good! Dr. Watson, it is the spinning out of long stories that 
obscures and almost hides what we are trying to explain. Now 
I wish to answer the question at the head of this article, and 
make it so plain that he that runs may read and understand. 
I shall not attempt to enumerate the causes of disease, they are 
legion, but what I wish to do is to explain very briefly what is 
going on in the vital system when the manifestations called 
disease are present. Dr. R. T. Trail says, ' disease is not, as is 
commonly supposed, an enemy at war with the vital forces,' but 
it is a war of the vital system itself against the causes that have 
provoked the war (disease). So long as the causes exist the 
war (disease) should continue. Causes must be removed, and 



Open Session: Something About Many Things. 371 

this action called disease is the struggle of the vital system 
for their removal; if the causes are too great to be overcome } 
vitality fights till death ensues. Can the physician help nature 
in the expulsion of causes? — this house-cleaning, so to speak? 
Truly remedial agents are materials and influences which have 
normal relations to the vital organs, and not drugs or poisons, 
whose relations are abnormal and anti-vital. Disease is an 
action of the vital system to cast out intruders — morbid mat- 
ters — an action to be aided, regulated, and directed; it is not 
an enemy to be destroyed, but the best friend we can have 
under the circumstances. It is a war of vitality for the eject- 
ment of the causes; let the war go on until causes are removed. 
The true physician can be the general, regulating and direct- 
ing the fight, he can assist nature by supplying her needs, im- 
plements, etc., to carry the war to a glorious peace. This war 
in the vital domain is like war anywhere, it causes great un- 
easiness, discomfort, the patient feels as though no good could 
come of it, but be assured it is the best thing for us under 
the circumstances. Happy is the man who can say with Paul: 
'Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth.' 'If you endure 
chastening God dealeth with you as with sons. Now, no 
chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, 
nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth peaceable fruits, unto them 
that are exercised thereby.' In other words, when we get sick 
we must know that physical house-cleaning hascommeced 
and we must be cheerful and patient, and place ourselves in 
right relations to the war (disease), and hope for the best 
results — not doubt, fret, or despond. Nor take drugs!' 

Doctor: Keep this ever in mind, that treatment is not as "when 
Greek meets Greek," a war of opposing forces, but an act of obedience 
to the requirements of a Superior Power, of which we are only an 
instrument; for, " It is God who healeth ou. diseases and re- 
deemeth our lives from destruction." 

See how infinitesimally small the power we have! Why, 
then, hesitate to relate ourselves rightly to the source of all 
power? To the side of the true and real, not the false and 
unreal. 

Viola: Dr. Evans says, "God has managed, and perpetu- 
ally manages, to insert into our nature a tendency toward 



372 Woman and Health. 

health, and against the unnatural condition which we call dis- 
ease. When our flesh receives a wound, a strange nursing and 
healing process is immediately commenced to repair the injury. 
So in all diseases, organic or functional. 

This Mysterious Healing Power — 

the vis medicatrix naturce — sets itself to work at once to triumph 
over the morbid condition. 

" In consequence of this indwelling of God, the common 
Life of the universe, in us, recuperation is natural to the human 
body and to all living things. There is a divine energy inherent 
in the system that immediately and with omniscient skill reacts 
against every disorder of mind or body, and exhibits itself in a 
psychical and physiological effort to restore harmony. When 
a crumb of bread enters the trachea or wind-pipe, with what 
divine violence all the muscles that expel the air from the 
lungs contract to blow it out. This spasmodic action of the 
abdominal muscles and the diaphragm is not a disease, but is 
a curative effort of the organism to cast out a foreign and dele- 
terious substance from the lungs. 

"When a speck of dust or a grain of sand enters the eye, 
the lachrymal glands are stimulated to increased action, and 
the eye is suffused with a flood of tears to wash it out. In the 
case of poison or unwholesome food in the stomach, the first 
effort of the divine life, or what we call nature, is to induce 
nausea and vomiting. The action of the stomach is inverted 
so as to eject its injurious contents at once. If this does not 
succeed, the next resort of the divine healing energy is to 
increase the peristaltic action and vermicular movement of the 
stomach and intestinal canal, so as to rid the system of it as 
soon as possible by a diarrhcetic discharge." 

Mrs. B.: I shall take up this line of thought and make it 
of practical use. Plainly its leadings are directly toward what 
you hygienists term 

The True Healing Art. 

Methods are taught very easily after principles are understood. 
But I have so often tried to ignore the body, and treat it as a 
"thing of naught," that — 



Ope?i Session: Something About Many Things. 373 

Viola: Oh, that is not the way Christ did. " He sought to 
impress his hearers with the' importance of their bodies, so 
also did the apostles; miracles were wrought upon the body as 
well as the mind; a diseased, deformed body was nowise fitted 
to express the truths of such a religion as Christ came to teach 
— the religion of the life — of doing. He lived, and it was thus 
his influence over the hearts of the people became extensive 
as the race. It was in hearts that his kingdom was founded, 
and whoever will be his ambassador goes out with the com- 
mission, as of old, 'As ye go, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, 
raise the dead, cast out devils.' This is true philanthropy, em- 
bodied not in words, but in deeds. It is the victory over dis- 
ease and deformity which restores the body to a likeness of its 
'first estate.' The Jews were instructed to respect and care- 
fully secure the best bodily conditions, and surely when Christ 
came 4 it was not to destroy but to fulfill.' Who can lightly 
consider the ultimate expression of a 'pure heart' when God 
taught His people that He would be worshiped with 'a pure 
heart' 'and clean hands,' expressing that close relationship 
between cleanliness and godliness which is recognized under 
the Christian dispensation." 

Julia: I think Mrs. B. shares with numbers of women the 
longing for release from anxious care about her own health 
and the bodily conditions of those dependent upon her for 
love and attention. We get tired and impatient at the slow- 
ness of even the most effective methods. 

Doctor: " Nature, that cunning and matchless workwoman, 
in some of her deepest and most significant processes, is slow; 
she cannot be hurried; the work can be done thoroughly in but 
one way. Deny time for that way, and the result is imperfect. 
It absolutely demands a certain length of time, varying accord- 
ing to circumstances, properly to knit a broken bone, to throw 
off an attack of pneumonia, to outgrow a given tendency to 
disease. No amount of impatience, of invective, of self-will, 
of revolt against nature, will result in anything but increasing, 
instead of lessening, the time. Who, naturally, is the best 
i'/idge in this matter — the patient, ignorant of disease, almost 
necessarily partial in his own case, his judgment impaired by 
sickness, his action warped by morbid desire, or the physician, 



374 Woman and Health. 

impartial, cool, regarding the case scientifically, and equipped 
with all the knowledge on the subject that has been con- 
tributed for centuries by the race?" 

This impatience is encountered by the physician because 
" Make haste slowly" is not understood by patient or friends, 
and imperfect cures are the result. The patient goes through 
life with some weakness, or incurable disability, simply be- 
cause of undue haste to rush back into society, business, or 
home duties, when health of body, mind, and soul outweighs 
every other earthly consideration. 

Mrs. Mann: How many obstacles exist preventing our ever 
reaching the fullness of possibility which even this life has 
for us ! 

Bad habits, prominent among which, 

Gum -Chewing 

claims attention, are fastened and forged, and riveted, despite 
their unseemly and ungodly character. Gum-chewing is only 
a shade less harmful or disgusting than tobacco-chewing. 

Doctor: Why this habit was ever formed can be answered 
only as we look at the wide problems of human life, and dis- 
cover human beings busy in trying to work them out. 

"Total depravity" claims its share, and I suppose these 
gum-chewers are self-appointed illustrations of that problem. 
It has been estimated that the people of the United States 
spend more than $1,500,000 every year for chewing-gum. One 
manufactory alone turns out five hundred thousand boxes, of 
six dozen cakes each, yearly, which is distributed all over the 
world. 

Viola: And then think of all the other gum manufactories 
ambitious to flood the market with their goods. It is astonish- 
ing what the jaws of girls and women can do. But there is a 
sure and steady effect resulting from this practice. I read in a 
newspaper of a girl who chewed so steadily that her jaws be- 
came set, and a physician discovered that some of the muscles 
were paralyzed. 

Mrs. E.: An eminent Ohio physician has declared that 
gum-chewing seriously affects the eyesight, and that he never 
fails to detect the use of it by an examination of the eye. An- 



Open Session: Something About Many Things. 375 

other says the muscles of the jaw and face near the temple are 
enlarged and hardened, and the curve of the lips is destroyed. 

Doctor: There is neither use nor beauty in the habit, and 
it is certainly sure to undermine digestion, for the perpetual 
service of those salivary glands frustrates the design of nature, 
which we know is to make insalivation of our food the first 
step in good digestion. Weakness and deteriorated quality of 
secretion must result from the constant activity of the glands, 
hence digestion is less perfect. And this is proved to be a 
masterful practice, concluded not in itself, but reaching out to 
indulgence in articles of more stimulating nature than is simple 
gum. 

Miss Flora: I was quick enough to give up gum-chewing 
when it was told me how injurious and disgusting it is. Before 
that it seemed innocent, in fact I never asked myself, Why do 
I chew gum? Many are doing the same, and as thoughtlessly. 
But it is not easy to quit. I long for it now; and am con- 
vinced by this fact, if no other, that I should not continue the 
practice. 

Miss P.: The "coming woman" will not chew gum, nor 
will she be a victim to the 

Morphine Habit. 

Dr. H. H. Rane, of New York, says in his valuable book, 

" Drugs that Enslave," 

" Females are more frequent victims of the morphine habit 
than males, in the proportion of three to one." The physician 
"finding pain, nervousness, and hysteria constantly claiming 
attention, and nothing relieving them so well as opium, or its 
alkaloid, morphia, which is six times the parent strength, re- 
sorts to their use more and more freely." "The number of 
victims to this slavery is daily on the increase, both in town 
and country. Moreover, nervous affections are on the increase : 
pain without any very apparent cause, nervousness from the 
most trivial things. Insanity also. Suicide is daily more fre- 
quent. 

"Those unacquainted with the truth in this matter will be 
surprised to learn that there are to-day thousands of educated 



376 Woman a? id Health. 

and respectable people, slaves to a habit that is more exacting 
than the hardest task-master, that they loathe beyond all else, 
and yet that binds them in chains that they are wholly un- 
able to break. Each day, each hour, each minute binds them 
more firmly, until at last they feel themselves unable to cope 
with the demon that has overpowered them, and abandon 
themselves hopelessly, listlessly, to the vice. Each dose must 
be a little larger than the preceding, in order to obtain the de- 
sired effect. Of late years physicians are becoming more and 
more addicted to the subcutaneous use of morphine, and, as a 
consequence, the number of persons who habitually use the 
drug in this way is daily on the increase. The danger of form- 
ing the habit from the use of the drug in this way is undoubted. 
Correspondents, physicians from all parts of this country, 
England, and France assert this, and detail cases." 

Doctor: We might notice other abnormalities which afflict 
society to-day, but they are mere shadows, destined to disap- 
pear as the light of truth is admitted into human souls. 

To dissipate these shadows is' the work of 

Developed, Banded Womanhood. 

It reaches up to heaven; descends to the depths of hell; fol- 
lowing closely in the footsteps of its Lord and Saviour. The 
blessed words, " Lo ! I am with you always," sound through 
every chamber of the soul, giving inspiration, courage, hope. 

The divine flame of everlasting love enlightens, warms, 
vivifies, and health, harmony, happiness prevail throughout the 
brightening days of this glorious awakening to light and life. 

All human souls are affected ; some, perhaps, to cry " A 
little more sleep, a little more slumber, a little more folding of 
the hands to sleep." Yet many are so attracted and led to the 
sacred presence of Truth, that no toil or self-denial is thought 
too much, if the attainment of that height and breadth and 
depth of soul is reached which gives unlimited reception of 
the inflowing divine Life. " They shall be abundantly satis- 
fied; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy 
pleasures. 

" For with thee is the fountain of life : 
In thy light shall we see light." 



GLOSSARY. 

Abdomen: The portion of the cavity of the trunk below the chest and 

above the pelvis. 
Abortive: Immature, ineffectual. 
Aeriform: Having the form of air or gas. 
Alterative: An uncertain agent considered to be capable of producing 

a salutary change in the disease. 
Amcena: An animalcule; a vital object consisting of a single cell, which 

changes its form freely in the medium from which it derives its 

nutrition. 
Amorphous: Having no determinate form. 

Anaemia: Bloodlessness; want of red corpuscles in the blood; debility. 
Anaesthesia: A condition of insensibility produced by chloroform or 

some other agent. 
Anteflexion: Bending forward of the body of the uterus. 
Areolar: Pertaining to small spaces or interstices. 
Assimilation: The act by which vital parts appropriate nourishment, 

and transform matter into their own substance. 
Automatic: Spontaneous; that which acts of itself. 

Butyric Acid: An acid found in butter; an oily, limpid fluid having the 
smell of rancid butter, and an acrid taste; it is poisonous, and is de- 
veloped in rancid butter, and in fresh butter when heat is applied 
to it. 

Calculus: Any hard, solid concretion formed in any part of the body, but 
most frequent in the organs that are reservoirs and in the excretory 
canals. 

Capillaries: The minute blood-vessels between the arteries and veins, 
from which nutrition of vital parts is derived. 

Catamenia: Menstrual discharge. 

Catarrh: Fluid discharge from any membrane; as bowel, nostrils, ure- 
thra, etc. 

Catena: A series of things connected with each other. 

Catharsis: The purgation of the bowels. 

Cell: A closed sack, usually microscopic in size. 

Cellulitis: Inflammation of parts composed chiefly of cells. 

Cerebellum: The lower part of the brain; it presides over the co-ordina- 
tion of the voluntary movements. 

Cerebrum: The upper portion of the brain; the seat of the reasoning 
faculties. 

Cervix: A neck. 



378 Woman and Health. 

Chest: The upper part of the trunk. 

Chyle: That portion of digested and absorbed food conveyed by the 
lacteals. 

Cilia: Minute, hair-like appendages of surface cells, endowed with rapid, 
vibratory motion. 

Collapse: Prostration of the vital powers. 

Coma: Profound insensibility. 

Conatus: An attempt or effort. 

Concomitant: Accompanying. 

Congenital: From birth. 

Congeries: A combination. 

Congestion: Accumulation of blood in an organ. A chronic state may 
result from an extraordinary flow of blood by arteries, or from diffi- 
culty in the return of blood to the heart by veins, more often the lat- 
ter. 

Connective Tissue: A fine, interlacing, elastic network which pervades 
the body, and mechanically binds other tissues into organs, and is 
in condensed form in the skin, membranes, tendons, etc. 

Correlation: Reciprocal or mutual relation. 

Depletion: Emptying, unloading. 

Depurating: Purifying. 

Desquamation: Separation of the epidermis or scarf skin in the form of 
scales. It is a common result of eruptive fevers; as scarlatina, ery- 
sipelas, etc., measles. 

Detergent: Cleansing. 

Diagnosis: Distinguishing diseases from each other. 

Diaphoresis: Cutaneous evacuation. 

Diaphragm: The broad, thin breathing muscle between the chest and 
the abdomen, attached to the lower borders of the ribs. 

Dietetics: That part of medicine which relates to diet. 

Differentiate: To distinguish a thing by giving its specific difference. 

Diuresis: Copious urinary secretion. 

Dynamics: Science of moving forces. 

Dysuria: Difficult urination. 

Eliminatory: Separating, expelling. 

Emenagogues: Drugs that are meant to arouse the uterus specifically. 

Emesis: Vomiting. 

Empirical: Founded on experience. 

Endemic: Diseases are called endemic when they prevail in a given lo- 
cality, or district, or neighborhood; epidemic when they extend over 
several districts or neighborhoods, and sporadic when they appear in 
isolated cases. 

Enema: Injections into the rectum. 

Enervating: Weakening. 

Endosmose: The transmission of a fluid or gas from without inward. 

Enteritis: Inflammation of the intestines. 



Glossary. 379 

Epigastrium: The center region of the upper part of the abdomen. 
Etiology: The doctrine of causes. 

Exacerbations: An increase or aggravation of symptoms. 
Exosmose: The passage of a gas or fluid from within outward. 

Fallopian Tubes: Two canals, one extending from each upper portion 
of the womb. 

Fecal: Relating to excrement. 

Flaccid: Soft, flabby, weak, or unused. 

Flatulence: Wind; accumulation of gases in the alimentary canal. 

Fomentation: The act of applying warm lotions for the purpose of eas- 
ing pain by relaxing the skin or of discussing tumors. 

Fomentations: Warm lotions applied for the purpose of easing pain, by 
relaxing the skin, or of discussing tumors. 

Fundus: The base of any organ that ends in a neck. 

Ganglion: Knot, or enlargement in the course of a nerve. 

Gastralgia: Impaired appetite, with gnawing or burning pain in the 
stomach. 

Gastric: Belonging or relating to the stomach. 

Gastrodynia: A gnawing or burning sensation in the stomach or epigas- 
tric region; heartburn. 

Gestative: Carrying an embryo. 

Gravid: Pregnant. 

Gynecology: That part of medical science and practice which relates 
to special diseases of women. 

Hemiplegia: Paralysis of one part of the body. 

Hemorrhage: Any discharge of blood. 

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver. 

Hydrochloric: Compounded of hydrogen and chlorine. 

Hyperemia: A more than natural amount of blood in the capillaries. 

Hypertrophied: Abnormally increased in bulk. 

Hypnotism: A kind of sleep said to be produced by means of animal 
magnetism. 

Hypochondria: A nervous affection characterized by melancholy. 

Hypogastrium: The middle region of the lower part of the abdomen. 

Hypothesis: A supposition. 

Hysteria: Manifestations of nervous irritability, largely emotional; the 
reflex muscular, the sensory powers, and the consciousness may be 
affected by its extreme degrees. It is not confined to the female, for 
irritable, nervous men are occasionally the subjects of it. 

Immobility: Fixedness; incapable of being moved. 
Incipient: Beginning. 
Indurated: Hardened. 

Inflammation: An affection characterized by heat, pain, redness, and 
swelling; of which there are several varieties. 



380 Woman and Health. 

Ingesta: Substances introduced into the body by digestion, as food, con- 
diments, drinks. 

Innervation: Nervous influence necessary for the maintenance of life 
and the functions of the various organs. 

Interstitial: Pertaining to the empty space between two things closely 
set. 

Lacteals: Vessels conveying chyle. 
Lethean: Inducing forgetfulness. 

Ligament: A bandage; a band; fibrous tissue uniting bones. 
Ligatured: Bound. 
Lotion: A fluid; external application. 

Lymph: The fluid of the lymphatic glands; fluid poured out in adhesive 
inflammation. 

Malaria: Foul air; air tainted by deleterious emanations from animal or 
vegetable matter. 

Malposition: Wrong or unnatural position. 

Manipulation: Massage; motion with pressure applied to parts of the 
body in an orderly manner, with therapeutic intent. Transmission 
of energy to vital parts in the form of motion, which merges with 
and becomes auxiliary to physiological processes, and therefore to 
the vital powers. The two principal varieties are manual massage, 
when applied by the hands of skilled operators; and mechanical mas- 
sage, in which the motions are transmitted by appropriate mechan- 
ism, from any suitable source of power. The latter has far larger 
scope as regards adjustability, variety, and extent of rates of motion, 
and therefore of the therapeutic effect produced. Massage, like 
most of the resources in medicine, is a true remedy only when prop- 
erly prescribed and applied. 

Menses: Periodic discharge of blood from the uterus. 

Mesentery: The large fold of the peritoneum holding the small intes- 
tines in position. 

Metabolism: The act of producing the chemical changes of interior 
cells. 

Metamorphosis: Change of form; in pathology, the conversion of the 
constituents of the tissues into other material. 

Metastasis: Morbid change in the seat of the disease. 

Metritis: Inflammation of the womb. 

Molecule: One of the invisible particles of matter. 

Muco -purulent: Having the character or appearance of mucus or pus. 

Mucous Membrane: The membrane lining all the cavities of the body 
that open externally and continue with the skin. 

Multiform: Having many forms. 

Nosology: A systematic arrangement and classification of diseases. 

Nutrition: Those processes of absorbing matter by vital parts, and dis- 
charging it in changed form, by which the powers peculiar to vital 
objects are maintained. 



Glossary. 381 

Obfuscation: State of being darkened. 

Objective: Outward, extrinsic. 

Organic: Pertaining to or having organs. 

Os: Mouth. 

Oxidation: Combining of oxygen with the body. 

Ovary: The organs in the female where the ova or eggs are formed. 

Palliative: Relieving, as pain. 

Panary: Pertaining to bread. 

Paraplegia: Paralysis of the lower half of the body. 

Parturition: Delivery. 

Pathology: The department of medical science which explains the 
nature and varieties of disease. 

Pelvis: The cavity formed by the union of the heavy bones at the base 
of the trunk. It contains the bladder, lower end of the rectum, and 
the generative organs peculiar to each sex. This cavity is continu- 
ous with the abdominal. 

Peptic: Promoting digestion. 

Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium. 

Periphery: The exterior, as the border of a circle. 

Peristaltic: Contracting in wavy or worm-like motions. 

Peritoneum: The membrane lining the abdomen and pelvis, and cover- 
ing their contents. 

Perturbations: Disturbances, agitations. 

Phthisis: Progressive emaciation of every part of the body. 

Placenta: A soft, spongy, vascular body, adherent to the uterus and 
connected with the fetus by the umbilical cord. 

Plastic: Capable of being moulded. 

Plexus: Any network of vessels, nerves, or fibers. 

Portal: Pertaining to the vein which conveys blood from the digestive 
organs, bearing a portion of the products of digestion to the liver. 

Prophylactic: Preventive. 

Protean: Readily changing form or appearance. 

Proximate: Nearest. 

Psychical: Relating to the soul. 

Radical: Root; relating to the root or origin. 

Rectum: The last portion of the intestine. 

Reflex: Action derived from nervous incitation without necessary con- 
nection with consciousness; directed back. 

Repletion: Superabundant fullness. 

Resolution: Gradual disappearance of disease. 

Resume': A summing up. 

Revulsion: Action produced in some part to remove a morbid condition 
in some other organ or part; derivation. 

Roseola: A rose rash. 

Sanguineous: Abounding with blood. 
Saline: Containing some kind of salt. 



382 Woman and Health. 

Salivation: An inflammation of the mouth and salivary glands occa- 
sioned by mercurial or other poisons. 

Scorbutus: Scurvy disease. 

Scirrhus: A disease so called from a hardness which characterizes it. 

Sequels: The consequences of a disease. 

Serum: Liquid portion of the blood. 

Solidarity: Consolidation of interests and responsibilities. 

Sordes: A dark, sanious matter discharged from ulcers; also foul matters 
on the teeth in low, putrid fevers. 

Sphincter: The circular muscle closing natural orifices. 

Sternum: The breastbone. 

Subjective: Pertaining to self. 

Subsultus: A starting, twitching, or convulsive motion. 

Suppuration: Formation of pus. 

Sustentation: Mechanical support; holding up. 

Suture: A tooth-like joint in the bones of the skull. 

Symptomatic: That which is a symptom of some other affection. 

Tendon: White fibrous tissue attaching muscle to bones. 

Tenesmus: Frequent desire to evacuate the bowels, with pain. 

Therapeutic: Pertaining to the art of restoring health. 

Therapeutics: The treatment of disease. 

Tonic: A medicine which the vital powers recognize and resist slowly, 
while a stimulant is recognized and resisted more promptly. 

Topical : Local. 

Toxical: Poisonous. 

Traction: Art of drawing, or state of being drawn. 

Traumatic: Anything relating to a wound. 

Trunk: The body, excepting the head and limbs. 

Tympanitic: Relating to a flatulent distention of the abdomen, which 
sounds like a drum when struck. 

Umbilicus: The navel; the remains of the opening for the umbilical 

cord. 
Urethra: The excretory ducts for the urine in both sexes. 
Uterus: The womb. 

Vagina: The passage to the womb. 

Varicose: Varix; enlarged or twisted condition of veins. 
Vascular: Consisting of vessels, or containing them. 
Venesection: Blood-letting; the operation of cutting a vein. 
Vesicle: Bladder-like vessels. 

Vicarious: Substituted; that which is done in place of another. 
Villi: Minute projections of the interior of the small intestines. 
Virused: Poisoned. 

Viscera: Any internal organ of the body; especially those of the abdo- 
men, as the stomach, intestines, bowels. 

Zymotic: Effects of a diseased principle acting like a ferment in the 
system. 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 



PAGE 

Abdominal bandage 106 

Abdomen, how to breathe from 197 

Abortion 13 

Acid, Acetic 207 

Acid, Citric 207 

Acid, Lactic 207 

Acid, Mallic 207 

Acid, Oxalic 207 

Acid, Tartaric 207 

Air : Four great purifiers of 329 

Albumen, vegetable 209 

Allinson, Dr.T. R., on "The Food Cure," 365 

A Medical Catechism 367 

Amenorrhcea 74 

Anteversion 66 

Apples 235 

Atmospheric Impurities, the sources of, 331 
B 

Banded Womanhood, the work of 376 

Biliousness 160 

o 

Carditis 151 

Caseine, Animal 209 

Caseine, Vegetable 209 

Cellulo-Microbian Warfare 358 

Childbirth, Painless 20 

Chicken Pox 125 

Chlorosis 78 

Cholera Infantum 151 

Chronic Pelvic Cellulitis 65 

Crural Phlebitis 31 

Cicealoni on breathing 199 

Compress 106 

Constipation 165 

Cooking, Ruskin on 224 

Cysticerci 213 

D 

Dentition 36 

Disease, definition of 268 

Displacement of Uterus 81 

Diaper Compress 106 

Diarrhoea 154 

Dr. Crofts, in British Quarterly Review, 

on Medicine 361 

Drink. What shall we? 236 

Drink, Water, London Times 237 

Drink, Hot Water 237 

Dysmenorrhcea 75 

Dyspepsia 165 

Dysentery 155 



B 

„ , PAGE 

Earache 38 

Eczema 4I 

Elliott, Dr. George T 96 

Enteritis x^o 

Exercise, effects of, on the body 349 

F 

Fallopian tubes 51 

Fasting in Rheumatism 301 

Fever m 

Fever, Intermittent 112 

Fever, Remittent 121 

Fever, Scarlet 128 

Fever, Typhus 116 

Fibrine, Animal 209 

Fibrine, Vegetable 209 

Flexure 66 

Fomentation 106 

Foods, Chemical elements of 204 

Food, Dr. J. Sanborn on germinal mat- 
ter as 238 

Food, Selection of 230 

Food, WholeWheat 240 

Foods, Proper 265 

Fruit Sauce 233 

G 

Gastritis, Acute 148 

Gelatine 209 

Gems 234 

Gestative Period 21 

Gluten 209 

Gum 106 

Gum-Chewing 374 

H 

Half Pack 105 

Health, priceless '. 18 

Hemorrhoids or Piles 163 

Hyperemia 62 

Hypertrophy 64 

I 

Injection 109 

J 

Jelly 207 

L, 

Labor, Premonitory Symptoms of 25 

Laws of generation 10 

Life blood 17 

Life essences n 

Life-giving truth 16 

Lignine . 20 

Light, in Childhood 344 



384 



Woman and Health. 



PAGE 

Light, influence of 345 

London Alliance News on the use of 

alcohol 367 

Longings 21 

M 

Malaria 357 

Mann, Rev. C. H., on Mental Influences, 262 

Massage 85 

Maternity 1 

Maternity, Chosen 5 

Meals, One a day 237 

Mtasles 126 

Menopause 79 

Menstruation 52 

Milk Crust 41 

Morphine Habit 375 

Mother Art 7 

Mother Marks 7 

Motion, Remedial 84 

Mushes 233 

N 

Natural Breathing 330 

Neuralgia 171 

Night Clothes 355 

Night Vase 355 

Nothing to Eat 218 

Nutrina 232 

o 

Oils 208 

Oils, Fixed 208 

Oils, Volatile 208 

Ovulation 54 

P 

Paralysis 176 

Patent Nostrums 362 

Pelvic Congestion 64 

Pereira, Jonathan, M. D., on food 203 

Pereira, on water 205 

Perils of Childbirth 24 

Pessary 90 

Pettenkoffer, on air 329 

Placenta 28 

Position in labor 26 

Prolapsus 66 

Prospective Mother 19 

Prout, Dr., on water 205 

R 

Rainey's Capsules 213 

Retroversion 66 

Round Worms 316 

s 

Saline Matter 210 

Saline Starvation 232 

Scald Head 41 

Sciatica 173 

Scrofula 44 



PAGE 

Self-Massage 21 

Sleep, Daily Crisis 353 

Sleep, Early in the Night 354 

Sleep, Eight Hours 352 

Sleep, Hufeland on 352 

Sleep, Physical effects of 351 

Small Pox 123 

Small Pox, Confluent 123 

Small Pox, Discreet 123 

Specific Movements 243 

Sprained Ankle 358 

Starch 206 

Sugar 206 

T 

Tape Worm 313 

Taylor, Dr. Geo. H., on local treatment. 95 

Teething 35 

Thomas, Dr. J. G., on local treatment, 96 

Thought, the Healing Power of 261 

Thread Worm 316 

Trichinae 213 

Tuke, Dr., "The Influence of the Mind 

upon the Body " 274 

Twisting Motions 87 

u 

Urethra, Orifice of 52 

Uterine Diseases, local applications in . . 92 

Uterus, and its appendages 49 

Uterus, instrumental support 89 

Uterus, irritated 49 

Uterus, ligaments of 51 

Uterus, nerves of 50 

Uterus, substance of 50 

Uterus, the form of 49 

V 

Vegetable Tea, or Soup 231 

Vicarious Menstruation 44 

Virgin Uterus 49 

w 

Walking Brewery 34 

Walter, Dr. Robert, on Hygienic Treat- 
ment 359 

Water, Collection of 338 

Water, Composition of 340 

Water, Distribution of 339 

Water, Filtered 341 

Water, Purity of 338 

Water, Rain 341 

Water, River 339 

Water, Spring 341 

Water Supply 337 

Water, Well 340 

Wet Sheet Pack 105 

Wilkinson, Dr. J. J. Garth, on Surgery, 361 
Womanhood 5 



